1. Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, remove any excess fat if necessary.

3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

To the same pan with the cooked beef, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until fragrant. The garlic will release a wonderful aroma that enhances the flavor of the sauce.

4. Add the Tomato Sauce Ingredients

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and sugar (if using). The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, but it is optional. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add the red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your sauce.

5. Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth or water to help loosen the sauce. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together. If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit more broth or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it evenly. If the sauce is too thick to coat the pasta, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.

7. Serve and Garnish

Once the pasta is fully coated in the sauce, remove the skillet from heat. Divide the pasta between serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.