Ingredients:

• 250 g pasta (any shape you prefer)
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 450 g ground beef
• Salt, black pepper, paprika (to taste)
• 1-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 sweet pepper, diced
• 240 ml chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 120 ml dry red wine
• 100 g red beans (canned or pre-cooked)
• Olive oil for cooking
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the shallot and sweet pepper, and mincing the garlic cloves. If using canned red beans, drain and rinse them well. Set everything aside and have it ready for when you need it during cooking.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water to use later if needed to thin the sauce.
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped shallot, garlic, and sweet pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
5. Create the Sauce: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, and dry red wine. Let the mixture come to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Add the Red Beans: Stir the red beans into the sauce and let them heat through for another 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika if necessary.
7. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the savory sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the flavors from the sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once everything is well combined, remove from the heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the pasta hot with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad.

Prep Time:

• 10 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25-30 minutes

Total Time:

• 35-40 minutes

Servings:

• This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Explanation of the Recipe:

This Savory Beef and Bean Pasta is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients brought together with a touch of culinary finesse. The richness of ground beef combined with the earthy beans and sweetness of the peppers creates a dish that feels substantial yet balanced. The red wine sauce is a key element, as it adds depth and complexity, making this pasta dish stand out from the usual pasta recipes. It’s a timeless meal because it’s both practical and indulgent. It makes use of common pantry staples like pasta and ground beef but elevates them with the addition of bold ingredients like red wine and paprika. It’s a dish that can easily be adapted to different tastes—whether you want to make it spicier, add more vegetables, or switch up the type of pasta.

The reason why this recipe is timeless lies in its versatility and ability to satisfy a wide range of palates. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weekday or hosting a small gathering, this dish fits the occasion. It can be made ahead of time and is even better the next day, making it a perfect meal for leftovers. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly memorable.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg

FAQs:

Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! You can easily swap the ground beef for plant-based meat or lentils. The sauce and beans will still add plenty of flavor and substance.

What if I don’t have red wine? If you don’t have dry red wine, you can substitute it with beef broth or vegetable broth. While the flavor will be slightly different, it will still create a delicious sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer—penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti all work well with this dish.

Tips:

• Use good quality red wine: The wine is a key flavor component in this dish, so choose one that you enjoy drinking.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: The amount of paprika and pepper can be adjusted depending on your preference for spice.
• Let the sauce simmer: Letting the sauce simmer for a little longer will deepen the flavors and make the dish even richer.
• Make ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even tastier the next day.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion:

This Savory Beef and Bean Pasta with Red Wine Sauce is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the art of simple, delicious cooking. From the hearty beef and earthy beans to the tangy sauce and the richness of red wine, every bite is a reminder of how some of the best dishes are built on classic ingredients, carefully combined to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner with family, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection, offering comfort and satisfaction in every serving.