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Which meat is good for pasta: bowl of meat and pasta
Lucy

Ultimate Meat Lover’s Pasta – A Hearty & Flavorful Dish

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Meat
  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. Add pancetta and cook for 2-3 minutes until crispy.
  3. Add ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking them up with a spatula. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
  4. Remove excess grease if necessary, leaving about 1 tbsp for flavor.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
  1. Add onions and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
  3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth (or red wine).
  4. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  5. Simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
  1. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions for al dente texture.
  3. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
  1. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water for a silkier texture.
  2. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  3. 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.