Meal of the Month

Cavatappi & Beef Ragù

with Peppers & Parmesan

25 MIN

4 Servings

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From the Test Kitchen

At the heart of this easy pasta is our hearty ragù (or classic Italian meat sauce), which gets vibrant flavor from garlic, red pepper flakes, and piquant capers. For silky texture, we’re finishing it all with butter stirred in just before serving.
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Nutrition

PER SERVING
Calories

720 Cals (est.)

View Full Nutrition

fresh

ingredients

18 oz Ground Beef
1 14-Oz Can Whole Peeled Tomatoes
2 Tbsps Capers
¼ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
¾ lb Cavatappi Pasta
¼ cup Tomato Paste
1 tsp Whole Dried Oregano
⅔ cup Mirepoix
¼ cup Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce
1 oz Garlic & Herb Flavored Butter
¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 Bell Peppers

step-by-step

instructions

Cook Along

1 Prepare the ingredients

Fill a large pot 3/4 of the way up with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the peppers; cut off and discard the stems. Halve lengthwise; remove the ribs and seeds, thinly slice crosswise. Place the tomatoes in a bowl and gently break apart with your hands.

2 Cook the pasta

Add the pasta to the pot of boiling water. Cook, stirring occasionally, 7 to 9 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Turn off the heat. Reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain thoroughly.

3 Cook the beef & make the sauce

Meanwhile, in a large, high-sided pan (or pot), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the beef and oregano; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking the meat apart with a spoon, 3 to 4 minutes, or until lightly browned. Carefully drain off and discard any excess oil. Add the sliced peppers, mirepoix (carefully, as the liquid may splatter), and capers; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 3 to 4 minutes, or until the peppers are softened and the beef is browned and cooked through. Add the tomato paste. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until thoroughly combined. Add the crushed tomatoes (carefully, as the liquid may splatter), worcestershire sauce, and as much of the red pepper flakes as you'd like, depending on how spicy you'd like the dish to be; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Turn off the heat.

4 Finish the pasta & serve your dish

To the pan of cooked beef and sauce, add the cooked pasta, butter, and half the reserved pasta cooking water. Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the butter is melted and the pasta is coated (if necessary, gradually add the remaining cooking water to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated). Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Serve the finished pasta garnished with the cheese. Enjoy!