When the day winds down and hunger starts to set in, there’s nothing quite like gathering your loved ones around a table for a comforting, homemade meal. We all crave those dishes that are not only delicious but also bring a sense of warmth and togetherness. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that perfectly embodies this spirit: a truly easy and tasty family supper that will become a staple in your meal rotation.
This dish is a fantastic solution for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or adjusting for smaller families. The beauty of this supper lies in its simplicity and the rich, savory flavors that develop with minimal effort. Think hearty pasta, a flavorful ground meat sauce, and just the right touch of seasonings to make every bite a delight.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of cooking, let’s talk about why this “Easy & Tasty Family Supper” deserves a spot in your recipe book:
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is designed with ease in mind. You won’t need any fancy techniques or specialized equipment. If you can boil pasta and brown ground meat, you can master this dish.
- Budget-Friendly: We understand the importance of making every dollar count, especially when feeding a family. This supper utilizes readily available and affordable ingredients, making it a fantastic economical choice.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts, this dish has a universal appeal. The combination of pasta and a savory sauce is a classic comfort food that rarely disappoints.
- Customizable: While the core recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, adjust the spices, or even swap out the ground meat for a different protein.
- Nutritious & Wholesome: Packed with protein from the ground meat and carbohydrates from the pasta, this meal provides sustained energy. You can easily boost its nutritional value by incorporating more vegetables.
The Heart of the Dish: Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this family supper is its reliance on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Elbow Macaroni (or similar small pasta): The classic choice for this kind of hearty dish, elbow macaroni holds the sauce beautifully. You could also use ditalini, small shells, or even penne if you prefer.
- Lean Ground Beef (or ground chicken/turkey): The base of our flavorful sauce. Opting for lean ground meat keeps the dish healthier while still providing that satisfying richness.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: These provide a robust, slightly acidic base for the sauce and contribute to its lovely color and texture.
- Tomato Paste: A concentrated burst of tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s taste profile. Don’t skip it!
- Onion: A foundational aromatic that adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Essential for any savory sauce, garlic brings a pungent, aromatic kick.
- Beef Broth (or vegetable broth): Adds moisture to the sauce and infuses it with more flavor.
- Spices & Seasonings:
- Dried Italian Seasoning: A blend of common herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that instantly elevates the dish.
- Paprika: For a hint of color and a mild, peppery warmth.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, as always.
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Olive Oil: For browning the ground meat and sautéing the aromatics.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a touch of freshness and color at the end.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (for serving): The perfect salty, umami topping to finish off each bowl.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Easy & Tasty Family Supper
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding meal.
Step 1: Prepare Your Aromatics
- Start by finely dicing your onion and mincing your garlic. Having these ready before you begin cooking will make the process smoother.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat
- In a large pot or Dutch oven (one that’s big enough to hold all the pasta later), heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the lean ground beef (or your chosen ground meat) to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains.
- Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot with the browned ground meat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and tomato paste. Stir well and cook for another minute, allowing the tomato paste to caramelize slightly. This enhances its flavor.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), beef broth, dried Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using, add a pinch of red pepper flakes now.
- Stir everything together thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste!
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce is simmering, cook your elbow macaroni according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water. Be sure to cook it al dente (to the tooth), as it will finish cooking slightly in the sauce.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta well. Do not rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce cling better.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked and drained elbow macaroni directly into the pot with the simmering meat sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta is evenly coated in the rich sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and finish cooking. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth or even a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Ladle generous portions into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success and Variations
- Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add diced carrots, bell peppers, celery, or frozen peas along with the onion to increase the vegetable content. Add them when you add the onion and cook until tender-crisp.
- Spice it Up: For those who love a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce.
- Herb Power: While Italian seasoning is fantastic, you can also add fresh herbs like basil or oregano during the last few minutes of simmering for an extra fresh flavor.
- Creamy Twist: For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end, just before serving.
- Batch Cooking: This recipe scales up beautifully, making it excellent for meal prepping. Cook a large batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats wonderfully!
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey are excellent lean alternatives. The cooking process remains the same. Just ensure it’s fully cooked through.
Q: What if I don’t have elbow macaroni?
A: Any small, sturdy pasta shape will work well. Ditalini, small shells, rotini, or even penne are good substitutes.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can replace the ground meat with cooked lentils, plant-based ground meat alternatives, or a medley of sautéed mushrooms and zucchini. Be sure to use vegetable broth.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: If your sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir this slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for a few minutes until it thickens.
Q: Can I freeze this supper?
A: Yes, this dish freezes quite well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
The Joy of Simple Meals
In a world that often feels fast-paced and complicated, there’s immense joy in returning to the basics, especially when it comes to food. This “Easy & Tasty Family Supper” isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, connect with your family, and savor the simple pleasure of a homemade meal.
The aroma filling your kitchen as the sauce simmers, the comforting sight of pasta coated in rich, savory goodness, and the happy murmurs around the dinner table – these are the moments that truly nourish us, body and soul. This dish is designed to create those moments, effortlessly.
So, the next time you’re wondering what to cook for dinner, remember this dependable and delightful recipe. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need exotic ingredients or intricate techniques to create something truly memorable and deeply satisfying. Just good, honest ingredients, a little love, and a desire to bring everyone together.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious family supper!