A hearty pasta dish combines tender beef sauce with roasted cauliflower for a delicious and comforting meal. It’s a perfect way to enjoy familiar flavors with a healthy twist that everyone will love.
Prep Time10 min
Cook Time20 min
Total Time30 min
Difficulty
Medium
Helpful Kitchen Tips
Brown the beef well to develop deeper flavor in the sauce.
Steam or roast the cauliflower before adding it to keep it tender but not mushy.
Use a good quality pasta and cook it just until al dente for the best texture.
Ingredients
0/10
Why This Dish Is So Special
This dish combines hearty beef sauce with tender pasta and nutritious cauliflower. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal while sneaking in some vegetables. The flavors are rich but balanced, making it perfect for any day of the week.
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the penne and cook it until it’s tender but still has a bit of a bite, about 11 minutes. Drain the pasta once it’s done.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower and cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes. Then, add the ground beef, chopped onions, and garlic to the skillet. Cook everything together, breaking up the beef with your spoon, until the meat is nicely browned, around 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3
Stir in the canned tomatoes, fresh parsley, a pinch of salt, and some red pepper flakes for a little kick. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Step 4
Once the sauce is ready, add the drained penne right into the skillet and mix everything together well. Serve it up warm and enjoy!
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people cooked this recipe
ByRyan Parker
Ryan shares simple recipes made for everyday cooking and easy family meals.
How To Plate This Dish
Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. A simple green salad or garlic bread on the side will complement the meal nicely and add extra variety.
Leftover Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any sturdy pasta like rigatoni or fusilli will work well as a substitute.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes before adding them?
Yes, draining the tomatoes helps prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it separately; reheat and add cooked pasta before serving.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to your taste.
What is the best way to cook the cauliflower so it stays firm?
Cook the cauliflower for about 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp to maintain texture.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
Yes, substitute 1 tablespoon dried parsley with about 3 tablespoons fresh parsley.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking after draining?
Toss the pasta with a little olive oil or stir it into the sauce immediately to keep it from sticking.
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