Pasta and Beans

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes rival the heartiness of pasta and beans. I recall evenings when I would rush home from school, the aroma of savory herbs and simmering vegetables greeting me at the door. My family often gathered in the kitchen, eager to enjoy a steaming pot of this dish. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can turn into a meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Pasta and beans represent the epitome of rustic cooking, transforming humble staples into a delightful feast. The rich flavor of ground beef combined with soft cannellini beans creates a texture that is both satisfying and comforting. Each bite brings back fond memories of laughter and stories shared around the dinner table, with bowls of steaming pasta and beans keeping us warm.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward preparation, making it accessible for anyone. It’s a dish that doesn’t just fill the stomach; it fosters connection, forging bonds between family and friends. The next time you want to create something special without too much fuss, consider this simple yet delightful pasta and beans recipe.

Pasta and Beans: A Classic Comfort Dish

Fundamentals

Pasta and beans serve as a wonderful amalgamation of flavors and nutrients. The foundational ingredients—the humble pasta and beans—combine harmoniously with the richness of ground beef and vibrant vegetables. This dish stands out not just for its taste, but also for its adaptability.

The use of beans adds depth and protein to the meal. Cannellini beans, in particular, contribute a creamy texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel. Whether you prefer a thicker stew-like consistency or a soupier version, pasta and beans can easily transform to meet your craving.

Preparation/Setup

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need a tablespoon of olive oil, one pound of ground beef, a chopped onion, two cloves of minced garlic, two diced carrots, and two diced celery stalks. Don’t forget one can of drained cannellini beans, four cups of beef broth, a can of diced tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and one cup of small pasta, such as ditalini.

Once you have everything on hand, choose a large pot to facilitate cooking. This dish requires space for both sautéing and simmering ingredients. Familiarizing yourself with these steps will set you up for success in creating a comforting bowl of pasta and beans that warms the heart and belly.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
4 cups beef broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Begin the preparation by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it becomes nicely browned. This initial step builds a robust base for the dish, infusing flavor into the oil.

Next, incorporate the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these vegetables until they soften, which should take about five minutes. Their fragrance fills the kitchen, signaling that you’re on the right track.

Once the vegetables have achieved tenderness, stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans, beef broth, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring everything to a boil. The mixture bubbles with potential, hinting at the satisfying taste to come.

Finally, it’s time for the pasta. Add the small pasta—like ditalini—into the boiling mixture. Cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.

Serve the pasta and beans hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This final touch brightens the dish, adding a splash of color and a hint of freshness.

Enhancing Your Pasta and Beans Experience

Technique

The techniques used in preparing pasta and beans are straightforward but essential. Browning the meat correctly ensures that the dish develops a deep flavor. Moreover, the sautéing process for the vegetables is crucial; it enhances their natural sweetness and makes them tender enough to meld beautifully with the other ingredients.

Timing plays an important role in this recipe. Paying close attention while adding the pasta allows for optimum cooking. If you overcook the pasta, it can become mushy, affecting the overall enjoyment of the dish. Strive for that ideal al dente texture for the best results.

Tips/Tricks

For a richer flavor profile, consider adding a touch of red pepper flakes for heat or swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version. Play around with different herbs too—basil or thyme can provide a lovely twist.

Storing any leftovers becomes easy. You can refrigerate the dish in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth if necessary to restore the original consistency.

Perfecting Pasta and Beans

Perfecting Results

To perfect your pasta and beans, focus on the balance of flavors. Taste as you go to adjust seasoning and ensure that everything harmonizes. Don’t rush the cooking process; allow the ingredients to develop their flavors over time.

Ensure that you cook the pasta according to package directions. Adding it too early or too late can alter the texture of the dish. Remember the golden rule: al dente is the target.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Sometimes, the dish might turn out thicker than you intended. If this happens, simply stir in a little more beef broth until you reach the desired consistency. If you find that it’s too salty, a splash of water can help mellow the flavor.

Moreover, if you crave a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with more beans or lentils. This not only maintains the protein content but also offers a delightful twist to the traditional recipe.

Serving and Storing Your Pasta and Beans

Serving/Presentation

Presentation enhances the entire dining experience. Serve your pasta and beans in rustic bowls to give off a cozy vibe. Top each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Consider offering grated cheese on the side; while not part of the original recipe, many enjoy the added richness that cheese provides.

Pairings/Storage

Pair this dish with a simple side salad to balance the meal with freshness. A light vinaigrette brings brightness that contrasts well with the hearty pasta and beans. Fresh crusty bread also complements it perfectly, ensuring no soup is left behind.

Storage is simple; keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating is quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal multiple times.

Incorporating the flavors of pasta and beans into your regular meal rotation brings warmth and joy to family gatherings and weekday dinners alike. The ease of preparation combined with the heartiness of its ingredients makes this dish a go-to classic in any home.

Pasta and Beans

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Carnivore

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Description

A hearty and comforting dish combining pasta and cannellini beans with ground beef and vegetables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Incorporate the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until softened, about five minutes.
4. Stir in the cannellini beans, beef broth, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
5. Add the small pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add red pepper flakes. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: pasta, beans, comfort food, Italian cuisine, hearty meals