Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
3 cups beef broth
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
16 ounces pasta (fusilli, rotini, or similar)
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Brown the Beef: Add ground beef, cook 6–8 minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Season: Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
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Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Stir in pasta.
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Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
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Finish Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for variation.
Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes for a nutritional boost.
Substitute coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Use gluten-free pasta and broth for a gluten-free meal.
Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Pasta
- Method: One-Pot, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free