Bring a touch of Italian flair to your kitchen with our “Tipsy Italian Beef Pasta.” This delightful dish fuses succulent beef with a splash of red wine, enriched with Italian herbs that will dance on your palate. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or an elegant evening with friends. Read on to learn the secrets to crafting this extraordinary meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Equipments
- Large sauté pan
- Pasta pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Tipsy Italian Beef Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned evenly, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Add Wine and Seasonings
Pour a generous cup of red wine into the pan, letting it sizzle to deglaze. Allow the wine to reduce slightly, then sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture continue to simmer for 5–7 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes into the pan, stirring until everything is well-incorporated. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Let the sauce cook gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Let it sit over the heat for a minute or two to ensure the pasta absorbs some of the rich, hearty sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
How to Serve Tipsy Italian Beef Pasta
Serve the pasta in warm bowls, topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil for a touch of color and freshness.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Enhance the sauce by using high-quality red wine; a Chianti or Sangiovese works wonders. Fresh herbs can elevate your dish, so if you have access to fresh thyme or oregano, toss some in with the sauce for extra depth.
Packed Protein Perfection: Tipsy Italian Beef Pasta High Protein
To ramp up the protein content, consider using chickpea pasta or adding a can of cannellini beans to the sauce. These options not only enhance the nutritive value but also amplify the dish’s textural and flavor profiles.
Carb Conscious & Delicious: Tipsy Italian Beef Pasta Low Carb Delight
For a low-carb version, swap out regular pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash, both of which provide a satisfying bite and soak up the sauce brilliantly. You can maintain all the savory layers minus the extra carbs!
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, adding a splash of water or wine to revive the sauce.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives and can absorb the rich wine flavors beautifully.
- What wine is best for this recipe? Choose a robust Italian red, such as Chianti, for authenticity, though any dry red wine will work in a pinch.
- Can this dish be frozen? Yes, the cooked pasta and sauce can be frozen in separate airtight containers for up to 3 months for ease of future meals.
- How can I adjust the spice level? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a delightful kick that complements the pasta perfectly.
Wrapping Up Your Culinary Journey with Tipsy Italian Beef Pasta
This dish showcases the best of Italian-inspired cooking: simple, luscious, and undeniably flavorful. We invite you to try it, tweak it, and make it your own. Don’t forget to share your success stories in the comments and spread the word about this Tipsy Italian Beef Pasta masterpiece!
Tipsy Italian Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- pasta
- red wine
- onion
- garlic
- crushed tomatoes
- olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Steps
- In a large sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until translucent for about 3 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Pour in the wine to deglaze and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, stir and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions, drain.
- Combine pasta with sauce, serve with Parmesan and basil.