Description
This creamy chipotle one pot beef pasta is a flavorful and comforting American main course that combines tender ground beef with smoky chipotle peppers, a blend of spices, and a rich creamy sauce. Cooked all in one pot, it offers an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner with a perfect balance of spice and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 ounces uncooked short pasta such as penne or rotini
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks to ensure even cooking and no large clumps.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Stir in the finely diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Spices and Chipotle: Mix in the chopped chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef and onions with the spices, building a smoky, spicy base.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Liquids: Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to begin thickening slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the simmering liquid, stirring to submerge completely. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy, creating a luscious sauce coating the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot for a satisfying, cheesy, smoky meal.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to control the level of heat according to your preference.
- For a lighter creaminess, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- This dish thickens as it cools; when reheating, add a splash of beef broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
