Nice and easy recipes - Fresh Tomato Beef Ragu

Fresh Tomato Beef Ragu

Ingredients

·         12 oz. spaghetti

·         1 lemon

·         2 tbsp. olive oil

·         2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

·         1 lb. Lean Ground Beef

·         kosher salt

·         black pepper

·         2 tbsp. tomato paste

·         1/2 c. dry white wine

·         1 pt. cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

·         1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

·         Grated Parmesan, for serving

·         Small fresh basil leaves, for serving

Directions

1.       Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup cooking liquid, drain the past and return it to the pot.

2.      Grate zest of the lemon directly into the pot, then squeeze in the juice (you should have 2 teaspoons zest and 3 tablespoons juice). Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss to combine (adding some of the reserved cooking liquid if the pasta seems dry).

3.      While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until it starts to brown around the edges, about 1 minute. Add the beef, season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and cook, breaking it up with a spoon into small pieces, until browned, 4 to 6 minutes.

4.      Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until the beef starts to get a bit crispy. Add the wine and simmer until it evaporates, 2 to 3 minutes.

5.      Serve the beef with pasta, tomatoes, and onion. Sprinkle with Parmesan and basil, if desired.