Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxurious, wide pappardelle noodles, blanketed in a hearty, slow-simmered meat sauce that will transport you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy. This isn't just another pasta dish—it's a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or a pasta enthusiast craving an authentic Italian experience, this Pappardelle with Meat Sauce recipe is about to become your new weekend cooking obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pappardelle pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and no longer pink, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Add diced onions to the browned beef and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- During the last 10 minutes of sauce cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add pappardelle pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Plate the pappardelle and generously ladle the meat sauce over the pasta. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 mix) for maximum flavor.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Allow your meat sauce to simmer gently, which helps develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente texture by testing the pasta a minute before the package instructions suggest.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water can help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Consider garnishing with fresh basil or parsley for an extra layer of freshness.
- Cheese is Optional but Recommended: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can elevate the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 353kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
