American Chop Suey
Ingredients
- 1 lb of pasta (gemelli, bow tie or elbow macaroni)
- pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried Italian spice blend
- 1½ lbs ground beef (pork, chicken or turkey)
- 12 oz tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ¾ - 1 cup red wine
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish Suggestions
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- sprig of fresh basil
How-to
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Fill a large pot with water, bring to a boil and add a pinch of salt
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Add pasta and cook until al dente (according to package directions), drain and set aside
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During this time, add olive oil to a sauté pan and heat oil over medium-high heat
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Add onions, garlic, bay leaves and dried Italian spice blend and sauté until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes
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Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until meat is thoroughly browned, about 5-10 minutes, mixing it in with vegetables
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Pat excess fat on meat mixture with a paper towel
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In the pasta pot, add the beef mixture and pan drippings, tomato paste and crushed tomatoes
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Return the pasta to the pot and add red wine and beef broth (adjust liquids to desired thickness)
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Add Parmesan cheese and bring it to a simmer to heat through, about 5 minutes, then serve and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese