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Pasta and Beans
Cooking with simple ingredients often evokes warm memories and a sense of nostalgia. Pasta and beans symbolize those comforting meals that bring everyone together around a table. The steamed aroma of sautéing vegetables mingling with hearty beef creates an inviting atmosphere that draws family and friends close.
This dish reminds me of childhood dinners, where laughter filled the air and the conversation flowed just as freely as the delicious flavors. The combination of pasta and beans stands out for its versatility and heartiness, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering.
The magic lies not only in the ingredients but also in the way they come together to create a satisfying meal. A steaming bowl of pasta and beans does more than just nourish; it fosters connections, celebrates togetherness, and leaves lasting memories. Everyone can enjoy this delightful dish, making it a staple in kitchens across the country.
The ingredients and steps are uncomplicated, allowing anyone, regardless of culinary skill, to whip up something extraordinary. Let’s explore this delicious journey into pasta and beans that’s sure to become a cherished part of your meal rotation.
Pasta and Beans
Fundamentals
Pasta and beans, a classic combination, embody comfort food at its finest. This dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that makes it irresistible. By blending the heartiness of ground beef with the creaminess of kidney and cannellini beans, you create a filling meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, bringing its unique flavor and nutritional value to the mix. You get protein from the meat and beans and essential vitamins from the vegetables. This dish isn’t just delicious; it also offers a nutritious option that your whole family will love.
The whole process comes together seamlessly, allowing home cooks to feel accomplished while preparing a meal that pleases all. The steps are straightforward and enable anyone to feel confident in the kitchen.
Preparation/setup
Begin by gathering all ingredients and prepping your workspace. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process and save you time. Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and dicing the carrot and celery. This preparation makes sautéing the vegetables much simpler and quicker.
Next, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. The oil is vital as it creates a non-stick surface for cooking, helps the vegetables soften, and adds a subtle richness to the dish. Allow the oil to warm before adding the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
As the vegetables sauté, they will release their wonderful aromas, enticing everyone nearby. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent any sticking. Once the vegetables soften, it’s time to add the ground beef to the mix.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, beef broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta and reduce heat; simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Technique
The technique behind perfecting pasta and beans relies on timing and temperature. Cooking the vegetables first allows their natural sweetness to develop and creates a flavorful base. Use medium heat to achieve this soft texture, ensuring they don’t burn or caramelize too quickly.
Brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked, adding richness to the dish. Don’t skip draining any excess fat, as this keeps the meal lighter. This recipe also benefits from the layering of flavors, which occurs through the simmering process. Allow the beans and broth to meld with the meat and vegetables for an irresistible taste.
Tips/tricks
To enhance the flavors further, consider toasting the dried herbs in the heated olive oil before adding the vegetables. This step can intensify the aroma and overall taste. Additionally, for a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at the same time.
If you have leftover vegetables in the fridge, feel free to toss them in. Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach can elevate the dish while providing extra nutrition. Adjust the consistency by adding more broth if you prefer a soupy texture.
Perfecting results
To achieve the perfect pasta and beans, monitor your simmering time. Cooking the pasta until it is just al dente is essential; it will continue to cook once removed from heat. The final texture of the pasta should complement the other hearty elements in the dish, creating a satisfying mouthfeel.
Do not forget to taste the dish before serving. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs according to personal preference. This flexibility allows you to customize the meal to suit your and your family’s tastes.
Troubleshooting/variations
If your pasta absorbs too much liquid and becomes mushy, try adding less pasta next time or adding extra broth as needed. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based protein or mushrooms to keep the heartiness while making it meat-free.
Additionally, if you’re looking for variety in flavor, try swapping out the spices. A pinch of cumin, thyme, or rosemary can offer a whole new twist on this classic dish.
Serving/presentation
To elevate the dish’s presentation, serve spaghetti and beans in deep bowls to highlight the colorful ingredients. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, drawing the eye to the dish.
Consider adding freshly grated cheese on top for those who enjoy a cheesy finish. The richness of the cheese will complement the dish’s heartiness and create a delightful contrast in flavors.
Pairings/storage
Pair this dish with crusty bread for dipping, or enjoy it alongside a fresh green salad. The combination enhances the meal experience, providing a variety of textures and flavors.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid upon cooling.
Conclusion
Pasta and beans bring comfort and satisfaction to the table, providing a meal that’s both hearty and delicious. The methods and techniques make this dish approachable for anyone who loves to cook. Embrace the simple joy of making meals with wholesome ingredients, whether for your family or friends. Enjoy the aroma and flavors as you create lasting memories around the dining table with this delightful recipe.
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Pasta and Beans
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting dish of pasta and beans that embodies warmth and nostalgia, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; sauté until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, beef broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta and reduce heat; simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
To enhance flavors, consider toasting dried herbs in olive oil before adding vegetables. For added heat, add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta, beans, comfort food, beef, hearty meal
