Description
A graceful spin on weeknight comfort, this dish marries the warm, savory scent of spiced beef with tender pasta in a single pan, delivering impressive flavor with minimal ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20), seasoned lightly with salt and pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 8 oz (225 g) short pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup sour cream or crema (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add the ground beef, season with a pinch of salt, and break into large pieces. Cook until richly browned, about 6–8 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Push the beef to one side, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic for the last 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and warm beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the pasta, ensuring it’s submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and sour cream until smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, and add a squeeze of lime.
- Let the pot rest for 3 minutes, then garnish with cilantro and extra cheese. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
For a refined contrast, serve alongside a charred corn salad or a crisp frisée dressed with lime vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg