Beef Ragu

We made this classic pasta dish a little healthier by using lean beef and substituting whole-grain penne for regular pasta.
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Ingredients

6 main-dish servings

  • teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound lean 93% ground beef
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 large carrot peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 large stalk celery finely chopped
  • 1 small onion 4 to 6 ounces, finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper
  • 1 can 28 ounces no-salt-added fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 package 13¼ ounces whole-grain penne
  • 1 cup packed fresh mint leaves finely chopped

Instructions

  • Cook pasta as label directs, using 2 teaspoons salt, but drain pasta 1 minute before cooking time for al dente is reached.
  • While pasta cooks, in 12-inch skillet, heat oil over high heat.
  • Add beef in even layer.
  • Sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper.
  • Cook 2 minutes or until browned; stir, breaking into pieces.
  • Add carrot, celery, and onion.
  • Cook 5 minutes or until tender and golden, stirring occasionally.
  • Add cumin, coriander, and red pepper.
  • Cook 30 seconds, stirring.
  • Stir in tomatoes; heat to boiling.
  • Reduce heat to maintain steady simmer and cook 10 minutes.
  • Return drained pasta to saucepot.
  • Stir in tomato sauce; cook over medium heat 2 minutes or until pasta is al dente and well coated, stirring.
  • Stir in mint and remaining ¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 385 kcal
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Course Beef / Pasta
Cuisine European / Italian