Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of cooking. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne or rotini works great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute the ground beef with turkey or even a vegetarian alternative like lentils. Mama Lou always said, “cooking is like painting, the ingredients are your colors,” and she encouraged us to be bold with our choices.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the process of creating this delicious dish. Remember, cooking is an art, so let your heart guide you through these steps:
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving, if desired.
As Mama Lou used to say, “the secret ingredient is always love,” so be sure to sprinkle a little of that into your dish as well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International

