Description

Some recipes are so satisfying that you could enjoy them day after day without ever getting tired of them. This dish is one of those rare finds. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it's no wonder my husband could eat this every single day and still crave more. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a cozy night in, or even meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and leaves everyone at the table feeling completely satisfied.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 ounces of pasta (your choice of shape)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Preparation Method

Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water, and set it aside. Cooking the pasta to al dente ensures it holds its shape and texture when combined with the sauce.

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy. The ground beef provides a hearty base for the dish, adding both flavor and substance.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. The combination of onion and garlic forms the aromatic foundation of the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile.

Season the Beef: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt over the beef mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. These spices add a depth of flavor, giving the dish a subtle smokiness and warmth that’s incredibly comforting.

Create the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. The diced tomatoes add a touch of acidity, balancing the richness of the beef and cream.

Add the Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes until it’s thickened and creamy. Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. The cream and cheese make the sauce rich and indulgent, coating every bite of pasta with deliciousness.

Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This step ensures that every piece of pasta is enveloped in the rich, flavorful sauce.

Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. Serve the dish hot, and enjoy the comforting, satisfying flavors that make this meal so irresistible.

Tips and Conclusion

For an even easier version of this recipe, try making it a one-pot dish. After browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic, add the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes, and beef broth directly into the skillet. Cover and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked through. Then, stir in the cream and cheese to finish the dish. This method saves on cleanup and makes the recipe even more convenient for busy weeknights.

This recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a dish that’s so satisfying, you’ll want to make it again and again. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful beef, and a rich, creamy sauce is the perfect answer to any craving. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping, or just treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed winner. It’s hearty, delicious, and versatile enough to enjoy every day without ever getting tired of it. So go ahead, make this recipe your new go-to comfort food—you won’t regret it!