Chili Beef Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich, bold flavors of chili with tender pasta. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying combination of ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices, all mixed with your favorite pasta. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans or black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chili beef mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and everything is well combined. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up.
- Serve:
- Serve the Chili Beef Pasta hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Chili Beef Pasta as a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
