Skip to main content

Macaroni with Spiced Beef and Tomato Sauce

3.7

(39)

An interesting mix of spices lends wonderful flavor to this simple pasta dish — known as pastitsada — from Tavern Tripa.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound ground sirloin
2 large onions, halved, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/3 cup dry red wine
2 tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
8 ounces large macaroni
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in heavy large pot over high heat. Add meat and onions and sauté until brown, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add cinnamon, cayenne, and cloves; sauté 5 minutes. Add wine, tomatoes, and tomato sauce; simmer until mixture is thick, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Chill sauce uncovered until cool, then cover and chill. Rewarm before continuing.)

    Step 2

    Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Add to sauce and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to bowl. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and serve.

Read More
Canned purée delivers rich body and deep flavor, without the nonna-level cook time.
The umami-packed pasta you'll be making all season long.
Yes, you can use the pre-cut squash.
Cut steak into cubes and suddenly it transforms into a quick-cooking protein.
A fancy-feeling dish that comes together in 20 minutes.
This picadillo-inspired topping would taste good on a shoe.
A fam-favorite, 30-minute dinner we have on repeat.
Sticky-sweet mall-style bourbon chicken gets a fall makeover.