Homemade Pasta Recipe: Easy & Flavorful “Macarrão à Moda da Casa”

Summary

• Ingredients
• Preparation Steps
• Tips and Variations
• CHEF’s Tips

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 500g of your preferred pasta (penne, fusilli, spaghetti)
• Water for cooking the pasta
• Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g ground meat (beef chuck or round)
• 1 can (400g) peeled tomatoes
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, boil water with salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until golden.
3. Sauté the meat: Add the ground meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until completely cooked and browned.
4. Add the tomatoes: Stir in the peeled tomatoes (crushing them with a spoon), tomato puree, water, and bay leaf. Season with oregano, salt, and black pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat, cover the pot, and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
6. Combine pasta and sauce: Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce and mix well to ensure the pasta is fully coated.
7. Serve: Serve the homemade pasta hot, sprinkled with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). This homemade pasta is perfect for dinner.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer sauce, add a splash of dry red wine while sautéing the meat.
• Try adding chopped vegetables to the sauce, such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with rehydrated textured vegetable protein (TVP).
• Add chopped olives or capers to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Use different types of cheese for topping, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Minas cheese.
• This homemade pasta is delicious.

CHEF’s Tips

For a perfect homemade pasta, the quality of ingredients makes all the difference. Use fresh, good-quality ground meat, like beef chuck or round, which have a great balance of fat and flavor. When sautéing the meat, don’t forget to brown it well, as this adds an extra layer of flavor to the sauce. Use good quality canned peeled tomatoes and don’t hesitate to add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the dish’s aroma and taste. Remember to cook the pasta al dente, so it retains its firm and pleasant texture. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of sophistication. This homemade pasta will be a guaranteed hit at your table!