Tender pasta (fusilli in this case) is simmered in a simple meat sauce. A few additions take a pantry staple from ordinary to delicious!
Why We Love This Recipe
Quick When you’re short on time this easy pasta dish is the perfect recipe, it’s ready in about 30 minutes. Easy This recipe transforms a jar of pasta sauce to make it taste homemade with a few simple additions (of course you can skip the jarred pasta sauce and start with homemade marinara if you prefer). Yummy It’s a family-pleasing kind of meal, everyone loves this easy version of a meat sauce and there are never complaints at the dinner table!
Ingredients/Variations
FUSILLI The twists and twirls of fusilli capture the sauce for the perfect bite. Use any medium pasta; penne, rotini, bowties or even cheese tortellini! Or use up any leftover cooked pasta in your fridge.
SAUCE This uses jarred sauce as a shortcut! A splash of red wine, some onion, garlic and seasonings make it taste homemade! Variations: You can substitute the ground beef for any ground meat you have on hand. Try using ground chicken, pork, or Italian sausage. Out of red wine? Substitute in beef broth (if using ground chicken) and mix with marinara sauce or any tomato sauce that’s already in your pantry. No Pasta Sauce? Use tomato sauce and a spoonful of tomato paste with a dash of garlic powder and onion powder (and a teaspoon of sugar if needed). CHEESE No pasta is complete without a sprinkle of cheese! For this recipe, I enjoy mozzarella and parmesan but you can use any cheese you have on hand. Try pepper jack for a little spice or try cheddar cheese.
How to Make Fusilli with Meat Sauce
Serve topped with cheese and a side of homemade garlic bread to sop up all the juicy meat sauce!
Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
Since the pasta is simmered in the sauce, cook only until al dente so that it doesn’t overcook and become too soft. When cooking pasta, use generously salted water. There is no need to add oil to the water as it will just float to the top. Do not rinse the pasta once cooked, the starches help the sauce cling. Save a little bit of the drained pasta water to thin out your sauce if needed. Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just stir, reheat, and top with a little extra cheese before serving!
Easy Pasta Dishes
Creamy Chicken Fajita Pasta – easy weeknight meal Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta – perfect comfort food Penne alla Vodka – full of flavor One Pot Pasta with Chicken – ready in under 30 mins Hamburger Casserole – quick and easy meal Easy Stuffed Manicotti – baked to perfection
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