The basics of One Pot Wonder involves browning 1 lb of ground beef as a base for protein (I am partial to White Oak Pastures as it is grass fed). Add whatever veggies you have on hand or that you like (tonight it was a diced onion and some shredded zucchini). I also add 1 small can of tomato paste or crushed fire-roasted tomatos (ie: Muir Glen) - tonight it was tomato paste. Season to taste with whatever you fancy - tonight's version was seasoned with Penzy's Pico and Salsa seasoning (hey, I got it **free** today and when I looked at the ingredients it looked like it might work - and the result was not bad, though I doubt I will do that again ... but then again, each time I cook this the result is unique)! I boiled up some pasta (tonight it was Tolerant Foods Red Lentil Pasta) and served the result over that. Chow down!
Side note #1: I enjoy the Tolerant Foods lentil based pasta - as a substitute it really is not bad, but it may make you worry when you cook it as the water gets cloudy and it looks like the result can be gummy. I don't doubt that could happen - you do not want to over cook this and I suggest you don't walk away, but test frequently to get the al dente texture you like. I also think it helps to rinse it after cooking, even if you have to reheat it in the microwave or **quickly** heat it by putting it in some very hot but not boiling water for about 1 minute after it has been rinsed.
Side note #2: This could easily be done as a vegetarian dish.
Side note #3: I have never made this using chicken as the meat/protein base and I don't think I ever would d/t texture issues.
One other nice feature of this recipe is that it could be stretched very easily using a can of rinsed black beans and additional vegetables. So if you are feeding an army it is very forgiving and practical.
In previous versions I've put in carrots, cabbage, onions, garlic, potatoes, peas and who knows what else. I've also tossed the pasta in the pot (uncooked/raw) especially if there seemed to be a lot of liquid.
So here's a summary of the recipe -
One Pot Wonder
1 lb ground beef (browned)
Vegetables of choice
1 small can tomato paste or
1 can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1 can black beans (drained/rinsed) - optional
Seasonings of choice
Pasta of choice
Brown ground beef.
Mix in tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
Add vegetables of choice chopped into small/medium sized chunks
Add beans last
Serve over pasta of choice
Enjoy!
(no affiliate links in today's post)
