Ingredients
Scale
Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need for this deliciously simple dish. As always, feel free to make substitutions based on what you have available—after all, cooking is all about making it your own.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas and carrots)
For substitutions, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian twist. Fresh herbs can replace dried ones if you have them at hand.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to bring this dish to life, each one infused with the warmth and charm of a Devon kitchen.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they’re softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook with the beef for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Add the canned tomatoes, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- If you’re using mixed vegetables, add them now. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve hot, possibly over some freshly cooked pasta or a bed of fluffy rice.
One tip I picked up from mum is to let the dish rest off the heat for a few minutes before serving. It allows the flavors to settle, much like how a good story finds its ending.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
