Why Make This Recipe
Hearty Meat Sauce with Pappardelle is a comforting and filling dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The rich flavors of the meat sauce combined with the wide, ribbon-like noodles make each bite satisfying. This recipe is simple to make and uses common ingredients, making it a great choice for any home cook.
How to Make Hearty Meat Sauce with Pappardelle
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb wide pappardelle noodles
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, cook the ground beef and ground pork over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the meat, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook the pappardelle noodles according to package instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Toss the cooked noodles with the meat sauce, adding pasta water if needed to loosen.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Hearty Meat Sauce with Pappardelle
Serve the dish hot right after cooking. Top each plate with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Hearty Meat Sauce with Pappardelle
You can store leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you have leftover noodles, you can keep them separately and combine them with the sauce when ready to serve for the best texture.
Tips to Make Hearty Meat Sauce with Pappardelle
- Brown the meats until crispy for extra flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer longer than 30 minutes if you have time; this will deepen the flavors.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes while the sauce simmers.
Variation
You can make this dish with different types of meat, such as ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or lentils instead of meat. Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. About 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes will work. Just chop them up and cook them down until they are soft.
2. What can I substitute for red wine?
If you do not want to use wine, you can replace it with beef broth or simply use additional crushed tomatoes for a non-alcoholic version.
3. Can I freeze the meat sauce?
Absolutely! The meat sauce can be frozen in single-serving portions for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
