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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
– Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Set the pasta aside.
#### 2. **Make the Meat Sauce:**
– While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat.
– Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
– Add the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
– Once the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat if necessary. Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
– Pour in the red wine (if using), and stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
#### 3. **Combine the Pasta and Meat Sauce:**
– Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
– Let everything simmer together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and heat through.
#### 4. **Serve:**
– Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
– For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle a little extra olive oil on top or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
### Tips for Success:
– **Meat Choices:** While ground beef is traditional, feel free to experiment with different meats like ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for variety.
– **Veggies:** Add some finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition. Sauté them with the onions at the start for the best result.
– **Herbs:** Fresh herbs can also be used in place of dried herbs. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
– **Make it Spicy:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some added spice.
– **Simmer for Flavor:** Don’t rush the simmering process for the sauce. Allowing it to cook for at least 15-20 minutes helps the flavors develop and deepens the taste of the sauce.
### Why Classic Bowtie Pasta with Meat Sauce is a Go-To Dish:
– **Comforting and Familiar:** This dish is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, satisfying, and flavorful, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
– **Family-Friendly:** Kids love pasta, and the mild meat sauce is a hit with even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the bowtie pasta adds a fun twist to the usual spaghetti.
– **Great for Meal Prep:** This pasta makes for excellent leftovers, and the sauce freezes well, so you can make a double batch and store some for later. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
– **Versatile:** It’s a simple recipe, but you can easily customize it. Add extra vegetables for a healthier twist, or swap out the type of pasta for a different shape, such as penne or rigatoni.
### Serving Suggestions:
– **Side Salad:** Pair the pasta with a light green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meat sauce.
– **Garlic Bread:** Serve with a side of warm garlic bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
– **Wine Pairing:** A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese pairs wonderfully with this hearty meat sauce.
### Conclusion:
**Classic Bowtie Pasta with Meat Sauce** is the kind of dish that never goes out of style. It’s comforting, satisfying, and bursting with flavor in every bite. With its rich, savory meat sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this meal is sure to become a family favorite, whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy, it’s a dish that will bring smiles to the table every time. So grab your ingredients, cook up a batch, and enjoy a warm, hearty plate of deliciousness!
