Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 can tomato paste
• 1 (14 oz.) can fire-roasted, diced tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 to 8 cups of water
• 8 oz. mafalda or bowtie pasta
• 1 Tbsp. dried basil, or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• salt and pepper to taste
• Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for garnish

Directions:

• Brown the ground beef or pork in the olive oil. Add salt and pepper to season.
• Add the chopped onions and continue cooking until the onion is translucent and soft, about 5 minutes
• Add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes
• Cook for another couple minutes then add the tomato paste. Cook until the tomato paste turns a brown color
• Stir in the diced tomatoes and the bay leaves. Add the water
• Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes
• After 30 minutes, add the pasta and cook according to the instructions on the box
• After the pasta is cooked, stir in the basil and additional salt and pepper if needed
• To serve, scoop a couple ladles in a bowl and spring with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese

From great kitchens come great recipes!