Macaroni with Bell Pepper Sauce

This delightful dish combines the comforting textures of pasta with a robust and flavorful paprika-infused sauce. It's an ideal recipe for both quick weekday dinners and leisurely weekend meals. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers—red, yellow, and green—are not only appealing but also add a burst of sweetness and crunch. This recipe is simple, requiring only a few key ingredients, and is both filling and nutritious. With the savory depth of ground meat and the tanginess of tomatoes, this meal satisfies even the most discerning taste buds. The use of spices like oregano and paprika powder enhances the sauce, giving it an aromatic lift. This dish is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat, a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a delightful harmony of flavors. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that will surely impress your family or guests.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 500 g bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
• 1 onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 500 g mixed ground meat
• 1 can canned tomatoes (net weight 400 g)
• 250 ml meat broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 400 g pasta

Spices

• Salt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• Pepper

Preparation Time

25 minutes total for preparation and cooking.

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Clean and wash the bell peppers, then cut them into cubes.
2. Finely dice the onion and garlic.
3. In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
4. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large pan. Add ground meat and season with salt and pepper.
5. Brown the meat thoroughly, ensuring it is cooked and no pink remains.
6. Add the diced onions, garlic, and pepper cubes to the pan. Stir everything well and let it cook briefly.
7. Add the canned tomatoes, along with their juice, into the pan with the meat. Stir to combine.
8. Sprinkle oregano and paprika powder into the mixture, stirring well to distribute the spices.
9. Let the meat sauce come to a boil, then pour in the meat broth, heating the mixture until it starts to simmer again.
10. Mix in the tomato paste and let the sauce simmer uncovered on low heat for about 10 minutes.
11. In the meantime, cook the pasta in the boiling, salted water according to the package instructions.
12. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
13. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well.
14. Add the pasta directly to the pan with the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat.
15. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
16. Stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is enveloped in the rich sauce.
17. Let the pasta and sauce sit together for a few minutes to absorb flavors.
18. Serve hot, with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.
19. Enjoy a delicious and colorful meal!
20. Bon appétit!

Tips

• Substitute beef or turkey for a leaner option in place of mixed ground meat.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the meat and double the amount of peppers and onions.
• For added heat, include a pinch of chili flakes with the spices.

Nutrition

• Calories: ~500 per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Fats: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 60g

Variations

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
• Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme for a unique flavor twist.
• Switch to whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing side.
• Enjoy with garlic bread for added texture and taste.
• A glass of red wine complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Best Places

• Pasta Palace - Known for authentic Italian pasta dishes and vibrant sauces. Location: 123 Main St, Rome, Italy.
• Bell Pepper Bistro - An emphasis on fresh, colorful ingredients. Location: 456 Spice Rd, Barcelona, Spain.
• The Noodle Nook - Famed for its diverse range of noodle recipes. Location: 789 Pasta Ave, New York City, USA.
• Spice Touch - Offers a fusion of Eastern and Western cuisines. Location: 101 Curry Lane, Mumbai, India.
• Flavor Fusion - Celebrated for its creative pasta variations. Location: 202 Tastes St, Sydney, Australia.
• Gourmet Green - Focuses on organic and locally-sourced ingredients. Location: 303 Organic Park, Vancouver, Canada.
• Red Pepper Retreat - Cozy and charming with a rich menu. Location: 404 Pepper Dr, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Pasta Perfecto - Known for traditional recipes with a modern twist. Location: 505 Tradition Blvd, Florence, Italy.
• The Green Noodle - Offers innovative vegetarian pasta dishes. Location: 606 Eco St, San Francisco, USA.
• Hot Paprika - Famous for its spicy pasta indulgence. Location: 707 Heat Ave, Budapest, Hungary.