Mmmmmmmm….this Spaghetti with Beef and Bell Peppers is really delicious. A LOT of flavor coming from all different directions with cumin, coriander, curry and smoked paprika being the key contributors for the intense flavor you get in this dish. These are not the typical seasonings you would find in a tomato-based pasta sauce but trust me on this when I say it really works. None of the seasonings used dominates the overall taste. Somehow it all blends in well together for one harmonious tasting pleasure.
Recipe adapted from Serving Dumplings.
Spaghetti with Beef and Bell Peppers
October 30, 2021
: 6-8
: 10 min
: 35 min
: Easy
The most flavorful meat sauce thanks to the cumin, coriander, curry and smoked paprika. A bit out of the ordinary of seasonings to use for a pasta sauce but trust me it really works.
Ingredients
- 700g spaghetti
- 1kg ground beef
- 4 green bell peppers, finely diced
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 white onions, finely diced
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 500ml (2 cups) chicken broth
- 140g (6 tablespoons) tomato paste
- 800ml (28oz) canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 tablespoons chopped parsley
- SPICES:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
Directions
- Step 1 Prep the bell green peppers, onions and garlic. Set aside.
- Step 2 Add tomatoes in a blender and blend until just smooth. Set aside. You can skip this step if you don’t have a blender.
- Step 3 In a large pan add olive oil, chopped green bell peppers and onions. Over medium-high heat cook and sauté until vegetables start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4 Add ground beef and cook until completely browned, about another 5 minutes.
- Step 5 Add spices, tomato paste and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Then lower heat to medium and let the sauce simmer, about 5 minutes.
- Step 6 Add blended tomatoes,1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, about 10-15 minutes. If you didn’t blend the tomatoes then make sure to crush the tomatoes while stirring. Taste for seasoning and add more salt if needed.
- Step 7 As the tomato sauce is simmering make the spaghetti. In a large pot bring enough water to a boil. Add 2-3 tablespoons of salt. Then add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
- Step 8 Once the spaghetti is al dente use tongs to transfer the spaghetti directly from the water and into the sauce. Combine well. If the sauce is too thick add a little (start with 1/4 cup) of the pasta water to the sauce.
- Step 9 Stir in chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.