Pasta with Meat Sauce

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2

While pasta cooks, heat the 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 3

Add the 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the 2 cups marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time. Serve hot, garnished with herbs if desired.