Ingredients

• Ground meat – 300 g
• Tagliatelle pasta – 220 g
• Onion – 100 g, finely chopped
• Fresh parsley – 10 g, chopped
• Carrot – 50 g, grated
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
• All-purpose flour – ½ tsp
• Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
• Water – 600 ml
• Italian herb blend – ½ tsp
• Garlic powder – ⅓ tsp
• Sugar – ⅔ tsp
• Ground black pepper – to taste
• Salt – to taste

Tools You Will Need

• Carving board
• Bowl
• Pan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Start by finely chopping the onion and fresh parsley. Peel and grate the carrot for easy incorporation.
• Mince the garlic cloves and set them aside.

2. Cook the Ground Meat

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and grated carrot, continuing to stir for an additional 2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
• Add the ground meat to the pan. Cook and break it apart with a spatula until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.

3. Create the Sauce Base

• Stir in the tomato paste and mix well with the meat and vegetables.
• Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce.
• Pour in 600 ml of water, stirring to combine. Add the Italian herb blend, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper to taste.

4. Simmer the Sauce

• Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure all flavors meld together.
• Taste the sauce midway and adjust the seasoning if needed. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomato paste, enhancing the overall flavor.

5. Cook the Tagliatelle

• While the sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tagliatelle pasta according to the package instructions. Typically, this takes about 8-10 minutes for al dente.
• Drain the pasta and reserve a small cup of pasta water.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Add the cooked tagliatelle to the pan with the meat sauce. Toss gently to ensure each strand is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Sprinkle the fresh parsley over the pasta and toss once more for even distribution.

7. Serve

• Serve the tagliatelle warm, topped with a bit more fresh parsley if desired. For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.

Preparation and Cooking Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield and Servings

• Servings: 4 servings

Explanation of Why This Recipe Is Timeless

Tagliatelle with ground meat sauce has stood the test of time due to its deep, comforting flavors and simple preparation. This dish’s timeless nature lies in its adaptability and the way it resonates with various palates. From rustic Italian kitchens to modern home cooking, tagliatelle with meat sauce has become synonymous with warmth and hospitality. The robust combination of ground meat, aromatic vegetables, and fragrant herbs melds perfectly with the silky strands of tagliatelle, making it a meal that appeals to children and adults alike. Its forgiving nature allows for variations, whether you add vegetables or adjust seasonings to your liking.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugars: 6 g
• Vitamin A: 40% of the Daily Value
• Iron: 20% of the Daily Value

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta? Yes, you can substitute tagliatelle with other pasta types such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or pappardelle. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well for the best results.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Certainly! You can replace the ground meat with plant-based alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for a meatless option.

3. How do I make this dish spicier? Add a pinch of red chili flakes or cayenne pepper when sautéing the onions for a hint of heat.

Tips for the Perfect Tagliatelle with Meat Sauce

• Choose the right meat: A combination of ground beef and pork often yields a richer flavor profile, but you can use any ground meat you prefer.
• Don’t rush the simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer enhances the depth of flavor as the ingredients meld together.
• Use fresh herbs if available: While dried herbs work well, fresh herbs can elevate the flavor, especially if added towards the end of cooking.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a bit of water to maintain the sauce’s consistency. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce (without the pasta) for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This tagliatelle with ground meat sauce is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that evokes the warmth and comfort of a homemade dish passed down through generations. It captures the essence of a classic, yet remains adaptable enough for modern tastes and dietary preferences. The robust flavors of the ground meat, harmonized with the sweetness of onions and carrots and the rich depth of tomato paste, create a sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of pasta, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last.

Preparing this dish provides more than just nourishment; it offers an opportunity to gather with loved ones and share stories, laughter, and cherished moments over a hearty meal. The versatility of this recipe allows it to be tailored to various occasions, from an easy weeknight dinner to a centerpiece for a cozy weekend gathering. The aroma that fills the kitchen as the sauce simmers is a nostalgic reminder of why dishes like these have been staples in family kitchens for years.