Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Pasta with Meat and Peppers. This dish features savory ground meat, sweet bell peppers, and pasta, all cooked together for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 225g) of pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite type)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes (optional for extra sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.
- Prepare the meat and vegetables:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the peppers soften and the onions are translucent.
- Season and simmer:
- Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
- If you’re using crushed tomatoes, add them to the pan and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a drier dish, you can skip the tomatoes and just let the meat and peppers cook together.
- Combine with pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything well. If the dish seems a little dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil to help bring everything together.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Optional Variations:
- Add cheese: You can add a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the dish just before serving for a cheesy finish.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground meat with plant-based ground meat or beans like black beans for a vegetarian version.
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful pasta with meat and peppers!