Creamy Rigatoni with Spiced Ground Beef

Ingredients

• 400 g rigatoni pasta
• 1 onion (diced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced)
• 500 g ground beef (ground beef)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (can substitute with 4 cloves fresh garlic)
• 1 tbsp paprika powder
• 1 can tomato paste (small can)
• 400 g diced tomatoes (1 can)
• 150 ml beef broth (beef broth)
• 150 g cream cheese (cream cheese)
• 40 g parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 10 g fresh parsley (chopped)
• fresh burrata (1 ball for serving)
• salt (for pasta water and to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Place a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a boil. Meanwhile, dice the onion and bell pepper into small cubes.

2. 2

   Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt and the rigatoni pasta. Cook according to the package instructions.

3. 3

   In a large skillet or pan over high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it is about two-thirds browned.

4. 4

   Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pan with the beef. Sauté for about 2 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the garlic powder, paprika powder, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the pan. Stir well to combine.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer and thicken for 5 to 7 minutes.

7. 7

   Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the parmesan cheese and cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.

8. 8

   Add the fresh parsley and the cooked, drained pasta to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.

9. 9

   Serve the pasta in bowls and top each portion with a piece of fresh burrata or extra parmesan cheese.

Notes

The beef broth adds a richer, fuller flavor to the sauce. If you prefer fresh garlic, use 4 minced cloves in place of the garlic powder.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• dinner
• creamy
• ground beef
• quick
• weeknight meal