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Pasta and Beans

Welcome to the delicious world of Pasta and Beans! This humble yet hearty dish is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. With a comforting blend of ground beef, colorful veggies, and wholesome beans, it’s the perfect meal to bring the family together. Did you know that Pasta and Beans has roots in Italian cuisine and has become a staple in many households for its satisfying nature and ease of preparation? The best part? You can whip it up in a crock pot with minimal effort, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. If you love the heartiness of a classic chili, you'll appreciate this dish too! So, grab your ingredients, and let's dive into this savory delight.
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs. of ground beef
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 carrots chopped
  • 4 stalks of celery chopped
  • 2 28 ounce cans diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 16 ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 16 ounce can white kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 10 ounce cans of beef stock
  • 3 tsp. oregano
  • 2 tsp. pepper
  • 5 tsp. parsley
  • 1 tsp. tabasco sauce optional
  • 1 20 ounce jar spaghetti sauce
  • 8 ounces of pasta

Instructions
 

  • Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
  • Combine Ingredients: Transfer the beef to a crock pot, and add in the chopped onion, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juice), both types of kidney beans, beef stock, oregano, pepper, and parsley.
  • Slow Cooking: Stir to combine all the ingredients well, then cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
  • Add Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the pasta. This will allow it to cook to perfect tenderness without becoming mushy.
  • Serve: Once everything is cooked and the flavors have melded beautifully, serve your Pasta and Beans hot. Pair it with crusty bread for dipping!
  • What to Serve Pasta and Beans With
  • Looking to make your meal even more enjoyable? Consider serving your Pasta and Beans with a side salad to balance out the richness. A fresh Caesar salad or a simple green salad with vinaigrette will offer a nice crunch against the hearty goodness of the main dish. For a delightful drink, a glass of chilled iced tea or even a light red wine can complement the flavors wonderfully.
  • Top Tips for Perfecting Pasta and Beans
  • Ingredient Substitutions: If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken work just as well, providing a lighter option without compromising on taste.
  • Timing Adjustments: If you’re short on time, you can cook the Pasta and Beans on high heat for a quicker meal, ensuring everything still gets those comforting flavors.
  • Avoid Overcooking: Be sure to add the pasta towards the end of the cooking time. This keeps the pasta perfectly al dente and prevents it from becoming mushy.
  • Storing and Reheating Tips
  • Got leftovers? No worries! Pasta and Beans keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Ensure you store it in airtight containers to maintain freshness. To freeze, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, and it can last for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until it reaches a nice, warm temperature. You might even find the flavors taste better the next day!
  • There you have it—everything you need to know about making a fabulous Pasta and Beans that will surely become a beloved family favorite. So gather those ingredients and start cooking this delightful dish today!