Simple Beef Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 12 oz Spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
• 2 cups Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
   • Drain the spaghetti, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the spaghetti aside.

2. Sauté the Beef and Garlic:

   • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic to the beef and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Combine with Marinara Sauce:

   • Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef and garlic. Stir to combine.
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Serve:

   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the beef and sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce needs to be thinned out, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Top with Parmesan:

   • Serve the spaghetti in bowls, topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips:

• Extra Veggies: For more depth, you can add some diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef while it cooks.
• Herbs: Add a pinch of dried oregano or fresh basil to the sauce for a more herbaceous flavor.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese after adding the marinara sauce.

This Simple Beef Spaghetti is a great, go-to recipe that’s full of flavor, easy to make, and always a hit at the dinner table. It’s classic comfort food with just a few ingredients! Enjoy!