Spaghetti 🍝

Ingredients

– 1 pound spaghetti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
6. Combine the cooked spaghetti and sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the spaghetti is well coated.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations

– Add protein like cooked sausage, bacon, or chicken to the sauce.
– Mix in chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor.
– Use different types of tomatoes, such as cherry or grape tomatoes, for a unique twist.
– Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or vegetarian options like tofu or tempeh.