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How to Make This Signature Dish
Step 1: Cook the Meat and Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Next, add the ground beef or chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease, if necessary.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. Make sure the pasta is well coated in the sauce, and simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors have time to blend.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top of the pasta mixture, stirring to melt the cheese into the sauce. If you like your dish extra cheesy, feel free to add more mozzarella at this point. You can also add some crumbled bacon on top for an extra flavor boost!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the cheese is melted and everything is bubbly and hot, transfer the dish to a serving platter or casserole dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and watch your friends and family rave about how delicious it is!
Tips for the Perfect Signature Dish
- Customize the Meat: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can easily swap out the ground beef or chicken for plant-based meat or extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. Simply reheat in the oven or stovetop before serving.
- Add More Veggies: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Keep it Creamy: For a creamier version, you can stir in a little cream cheese or heavy cream at the end to give the dish a rich, velvety texture.
Why It’s My Signature Dish
This recipe is so special because it’s become a tradition at church suppers, and it’s something I’ve perfected over the years. The combination of flavors—hearty meat, savory tomato sauce, melty cheese, and the comfort of pasta—makes it a dish that everyone loves. But what really makes it stand out are the compliments. There’s always someone asking for the recipe, and it feels great to share a dish that brings so much joy to others.
Whether it’s for a church supper or a family gathering, this dish never disappoints. It’s the perfect balance of flavors, is incredibly easy to make, and is guaranteed to satisfy a crowd. If you’re looking for something that will get rave reviews every time, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for!
Conclusion
When it comes to church suppers, or any gathering for that matter, you want to bring something that everyone will enjoy, something that feels comforting and familiar. My signature dish is just that—a simple yet flavorful meal that brings people together. It’s always a hit, and it’s the kind of recipe that has you coming back for more. So, next time you’re looking to impress at a gathering, give this recipe a try. Trust me, your friends will rave about it—and you’ll be asked for the recipe time and time again!
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