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Hearty Vegetable Beef Ragout

With this pasta ragout, I can have a hearty meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s one my children gobble up.

—KIM VAN DUNK CALDWELL, NJ



START TO FINISH: 30 MIN. • MAKES: 8 SERVINGS


4 cups uncooked whole wheat spiral pasta

1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)

1 large onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) Italian diced tomatoes, undrained

1 jar (24 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce

2 cups finely chopped fresh kale

1 package (9 ounces) frozen peas, thawed

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions; drain.

2. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat 6-8 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking up beef into crumbles; drain.

3. Stir in tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, kale, peas, garlic powder and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 8-10 minutes or until kale is tender. Stir pasta into sauce. If desired, serve with cheese.