Description
Hearty Beef and Macaroni Delight
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 red onion, chopped
1 green and 1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups chickpea elbow macaroni
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cups beef broth
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 cup tomato paste
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Prepare macaroni according to instructions. Drain and keep warm.
In a skillet, cook beef with onions and bell peppers until tender.
Add diced tomatoes with chilies, beef broth, and tomato paste. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Let simmer for 10 minutes. Add macaroni and toss to coat.
Serve and enjoy the kick of spices in every bite.
#MacaroniComfortBowl
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect Hearty Beef and Macaroni Delight every time.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 2 cups of chickpea elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, set aside, and keep warm.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 1 lb of ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to brown.
- Add the chopped red onion and diced green and red bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the 1 tsp cumin and 1 tsp paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant to toast the spices.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained), 2 cups of beef broth, and 1 cup of tomato paste to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine and dissolve the tomato paste. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it cook, uncovered, for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked and drained chickpea macaroni to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the rich, spicy sauce. Heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is piping hot.
- Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Your dish is ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish can be customized for any meal. For a complete comfort food dinner, serve it in deep bowls with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad with a creamy dressing to balance the spice. Topping it with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh chopped cilantro adds wonderful texture and flavor. For a lunch-friendly option, pack it in a thermos. It also makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors intensify overnight.
How-to Summary
In summary, cook the chickpea macaroni separately. Brown the ground beef with onions and peppers, then add spices, canned tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste to create the sauce. Simmer, then combine with the cooked pasta. It’s a simple, one-skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Any short pasta like regular elbow macaroni, shells, or penne will work. Adjust cooking times according to the package.
How can I make this dish spicier or milder?
For more heat, use a can of hot diced tomatoes with habaneros or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, use plain diced tomatoes and omit the paprika.
Is there a substitute for beef broth?
Yes, you can use chicken, vegetable, or bone broth. For a richer flavor, you can even use water combined with an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Diced carrots, celery, or zucchini are great additions. Sauté them with the onions and peppers at the beginning.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, or in the microwave.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook the chickpea macaroni just to al dente. It will soften further when combined with the sauce and simmered.
- Skipping the Spice Toast: Adding the cumin and paprika directly to the hot beef and vegetables for a minute unlocks their full flavor.
- Not Draining Excess Fat: After browning the beef, drain the grease to prevent the final dish from being overly oily.
- Rushing the Simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer for the full 10 minutes is crucial for flavor development and proper thickening.
Conclusion
This Hearty Beef and Macaroni Delight is the ultimate one-pan comfort food, perfectly balancing savory beef, tender pasta, and a kick of spice. It’s incredibly adaptable to your taste and pantry, making it a reliable recipe you’ll return to again and again. Simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious, comforting results.
