Cowboy Nudeln One Pot Pasta (Print version)

A hearty one-pot pasta with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, spices, and melted cheddar, ready in about 35 minutes.

# Ingredients:

For the beef and pasta

01 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or olive oil
02 - 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
03 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
11 - 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
12 - 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) low-sodium beef broth
13 - 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni or penne

For finishing

14 - 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
16 - Pickled jalapenos or sour cream, optional for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, then cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion has softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add the garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the spices smell fragrant.
03 - Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
04 - Add the uncooked pasta and stir well. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover loosely and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
05 - If the pasta is not tender and the pot looks dry, add 2-4 tablespoons more broth or water. If the sauce looks loose, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes.
06 - Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the cheddar over the top, cover for 2 minutes, then stir gently or leave it melted on top. Finish with scallions and serve hot.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served hot after a 5-minute rest so the sauce thickens.
02 - Cook ground beef to 160°F for food safety.
03 - Leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.

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