Ingredients

• 200g pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite kind)
• 200g ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup tomato paste or 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. 2

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Remove and set aside.

3. 3

   In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

4. 4

   Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. 5

   Stir in the tomato paste or crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Mix well.

6. 6

   Add oregano, basil, chili flakes if using, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

7. 7

   Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix well.

8. 8

   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

9. 9

   Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

10. 10

    Garnish with parsley or basil and more grated Parmesan. Serve hot, optionally with garlic bread or a simple side salad.