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Weeknight Bolognese

Adapted from Ina Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That?”

Makes 4 to 5 servings

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground sirloin
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¾ to 1 ¼ cups dry red wine, divided
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ pound dried pasta, like medium shells or orecchiette
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or round Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground sirloin and cook, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes, until the meat has lost its pink color.
2. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Save ¼ cup of the wine to finish the sauce, and pour the rest in now.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 teaspoon of salt, and cook the pasta, according to the instructions on the package.
7. While the pasta cooks, finish the sauce. Add the remaining ¼ cup of wine, the basil and the cream. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
8. When the pasta is done, drain and pour it into a large serving bowl. Add the sauce and ½ cup Parmesan. Toss well. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the table.