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Fill a large pot three-quarters full with water. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Set a colander in the sink for draining the pasta. When the water reaches a boil, add salt, about two teaspoons, and the pasta. Stir with a wooden spoon for about 30 seconds, then stir occasionally while the pasta cooks.
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In a large nonstick frying pan, heat the oil over high heat until hot and shimmering but not smoking. Add the onion. Cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the onion is soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and aromatic.
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Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up the clumps with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, until thoroughly cooked and browned, about four minutes. If desired, remove and discard any excess fat.
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Stir the tomato sauce into the beef. Reduce heat to low. Taste. Season with salt and pepper if needed. (This is a good time to check the pasta if you haven’t already.)
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After about 10 minutes of boiling, check the pasta for doneness. Drain the pasta in the colander and return it to the cooking pot.
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Add the meat sauce to the pasta and stir with a wooden spoon to combine. If using cheese, add it, one handful at a time, stirring between each addition until the cheese is melted.
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Serve with additional sauce, optional.