Description
This Ultimate Meat Lover’s Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish featuring a combination of ground beef, Italian sausage, and pancetta, all simmered in a bold tomato sauce. Served over al dente pasta and topped with Parmesan, this dish is perfect for those who love a meaty, flavorful pasta experience.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meat Sauce:
- ½ lb ground beef (90/10 lean)
- ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- ¼ cup pancetta, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth (or red wine for extra depth)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For Garnishing:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add pancetta and cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy.
- Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a spatula. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove excess grease if necessary, leaving about 1 tbsp for flavor.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
- Add onions and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth (or red wine).
- Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions for al dente texture.
- Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil/parsley.
Notes
- Meat Substitutions: Swap ground turkey for a leaner option or use chicken sausage for a different flavor.
- Sauce Tip: For extra richness, stir in ½ cup heavy cream at the end for a creamy tomato sauce.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate