Prepare the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (about 7-8 minutes).

Build the Flavor Base: Stir in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until onions are translucent and fragrant, around 4-5 minutes.

Create the Sauce: Add the tomato paste and let it caramelize for a deeper flavor. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Combine and Finish: Remove the bay leaves from the sauce. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed. Garnish with fresh basil.