In a cooking rut? Try one of these taste-tested, family-approved recipes using ground beef.

This pasta dish isn't drowning in sauce but rather is topped with a simple tomato-flavored mixture of clams and onion.

6 ounces pasta, your choice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (10 ounce size) baby clams, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  salt, to taste
Bring a large pan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook as directed until al dente, 6-10 minutes depending on the pasta used. Drain the pasta and set aside. 
 Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft. 
 Add the clams along with their liquid, the tomato paste, black pepper, and salt as desired. 
 Cook, stirring frequently, until heated through. 
 Serve the baby clam mixture over the cooked pasta.
Use a large pot of water for cooking pasta to prevent sticking.
Salt the pasta water for flavor.
Saute the onions until they are translucent.
Drain the pasta well before adding it to the sauce.
Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to taste before serving.
Gently stir the clam sauce to avoid breaking up the clams.
Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Pair this dish with a white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
Yes, you can use fresh clams. Steam them until they open and use the liquid as part of the sauce.
Long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine pairs well, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer.
Yes, you can add herbs like parsley, basil, or oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
You can use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, but the sauce will be thinner.
The pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite. Check the pasta a few minutes before the package's suggested cooking time.
It pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can enhance the dish.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but you can use vegetable oil or butter.
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