Spaghetti with meat sauce

When my husband and I dropped my older son off at college for his sophomore year, we had the opportunity to take some of his friends to dinner. Since they were living in an apartment for the first time, we discussed what they were going to make for dinners. They asked for a quick and easy meat sauce recipe for pasta. Here you go guys! This is also a great meal for anyone needing a fast meal. The sauce is ready in the time it takes to cook the pasta.

  
    Recipe serves
    Active time
    Total time
  

    4 people
    30m
    45m
  

  
    Special equipment needed
  
    Large pot with a lid
  
    Large skillet
  
    Colander

  
    Ingredients
  
    1 1/2 pounds ground chuck or sirloin
  
    1 teaspoon garlic powder
  
    1 teaspoon onion powder
  
    1/2 teaspoon salt
  
    1/4 teaspoon pepper
  
    1 teaspoon sugar
  
    1 tablespoon dried oregano
  
    1 28-ounce can tomato purée or chopped or crushed tomatoes
  
    12 - 16 ounces dried spaghetti
  
    Parmesan cheese
  
    fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
• Put a large pan of water on to boil. Cover the pot to make the water boil faster.
• While the water is boiling, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Once the meat is cooked, drain off the fat into a bowl. If you refrigerate this, it will be easy to throw away. Do not drain the fat down the sink.
• Once the meat is drained, add the garlic and onion powders, salt and pepper, and sugar. Add the oregano by rubbing it between your fingers to release the flavor. You should be able to smell the oregano. Stir to combine. Let this cook about 1 minute, and then add the canned tomatoes. Rinse the can with about 1/2 cup of water. Pour this into the meat sauce. Stir to combine. Let this cook until the pasta is ready.
• When the pasta water boils, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and then add the pasta. Leave the lid on the pot, but slightly ajar. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 8 - 10 minutes.
• When the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the meat sauce. Let this cook about 5 minutes.
• Divide among 4 plates. Top with Parmesan cheese and basil.

  
    Variations
  
    • Before cooking the meat, sauté a chopped onion until tender, and then add your meat and continue with the recipe.
  
    • Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste for a richer flavor or 1/2 cup of red wine.
  
    • Add cooked mushrooms and/or olives.
  
    • Add meatballs.

  
    Storage
  
    • Make this the night before, cover and refrigerate. Cook for 30 minutes at 375º in an oven-proof casserole dish.

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