Description
A rich and creamy pasta dish with ground beef, ziti, and a flavorful blend of spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- 5 – 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Creole seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3½ cups beef broth
- 1 14-ounce can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 lb ziti or penne pasta (uncooked)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add the diced onion to the same pot and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Tony Chachere’s seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the tomato paste deepens in color and becomes slightly caramelized.
- Pour in the beef broth and fire-roasted crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot, stirring to make sure it’s submerged.
- Reduce to a steady simmer and cook uncovered, stirring often, for 14–16 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
- Once the pasta is fully cooked, lower the heat and stir in: ½ cup shredded cheddar and ¼ cup Pecorino Romano or Parmesan.
- Stir until melted and creamy, then fold in the chopped parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with extra cheese on top if you’re feeling it.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can include additional spices or herbs.
- This dish can be topped with extra cheese when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg