Ingredients:
- 500g ground meat
- 500g short pasta
- 1 carrot, sliced into rounds
- 1 ripe tomato, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 tender lettuce leaves, green parts only, chopped into large pieces
- 100g water
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sweet paprika
- Olive oil
- Grated cheese for serving
Preparation
- For the Meat Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté the ground meat until it changes color.
- Add all the chopped vegetables except the lettuce and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the water, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and stir well.
- Cook over medium heat for 35-40 minutes. Add more water if needed during cooking.
- For the Pasta:
- In another pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt.
- Add the pasta and cook for 15 minutes, ensuring it’s not overcooked as it will cook further with the meat sauce.
- Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking liquid, and return the pasta to the pot.
- Combining the Dish:
- Pour the meat sauce over the pasta, adding a bit of the reserved cooking liquid as needed.
- Add the lettuce leaves, stir gently, and let everything cook together for 4-5 minutes.
- To Serve:
- Serve hot with your favorite grated cheese on top.
This delightful pasta dish combines the comforting flavors of tender ground meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese. It’s perfect for a family meal or a cozy dinner. Each bite is packed with warmth and goodness—food that feels like a hug on a plate!