Homemade Fettuccine with Beef and Bean Sprouts
- Preparing Time: 56 minutes
- Total Time: -
- Served Person: 10
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
- 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped, divided
- 1 teaspoon hawaiian sea salt, or to taste
- 2 (16 ounce) boxes fettuccine
- 1 (12 ounce) can cooked luncheon meat (such as spam®), cut into tiny pieces
- 2 (8 ounce) packages bean sprouts
- 1 (10 ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained (optional)
- 1 bunch scallions, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- Carbohydrate 74.7
- Cholesterol 64
- Fat 29
- Protein 26.7
- Sodium 943
- Calories 654 calories;
A Busy Mom's Quick and Satisfying Weeknight Dinner
Weeknights are a whirlwind! Between school pick-ups, homework help, and managing the never-ending to-do list, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel impossible. But what if I told you there's a recipe that’s both quick and satisfying, something the whole family will love? This recipe for Homemade Fettuccine with Beef and Bean Sprouts is my go-to when I need a meal on the table fast, without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
I discovered this recipe during one of those crazy weeks. I was exhausted, short on time, and desperately needed a meal that wouldn’t require hours of preparation. It had to be something that would appeal to even my picky eaters, and let's be honest, that's a tall order! I rummaged through my pantry, looking for inspiration, and this is what emerged. The result? A delicious and surprisingly easy dish that's become a family favorite.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It's a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup time. The combination of savory ground beef, crunchy bean sprouts, and tender fettuccine is a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The Worcestershire sauce and liquid smoke add a depth of flavor that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary. And the vibrant green cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the beef.
The secret to making this dish even quicker? Prep the ingredients ahead of time! Chop the vegetables and cilantro earlier in the day, or even the night before. This means when dinnertime rolls around, all you have to do is cook the pasta, brown the beef, and sauté the vegetables. It's a game changer, trust me. It’s one less thing to worry about during that already hectic time.
This dish is incredibly versatile too. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, or even zucchini would be delicious additions. If you're not a fan of luncheon meat, you can easily leave it out, or substitute it with another protein, like cooked chicken or shrimp. The possibilities are endless!
So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed by your busy schedule, remember this recipe. It's a testament to the fact that even on the busiest of weeknights, you can still create a wholesome, delicious, and satisfying meal for your family. It’s a true comfort food that's fast, flexible and family-friendly – just what a busy mom needs!
Tips and Variations:
Make it a complete meal: Add a side salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced and nutritious dinner.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat.
Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Leftovers are great!: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for lunch the next day. The flavors even meld together nicely overnight.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with a crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A glass of chilled white wine perfectly complements the savory flavors.
This recipe is more than just a quick weeknight meal; it's a symbol of resourcefulness and love. It's a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, we can still nourish our families with delicious and satisfying food.
Step-by-step
- Fill a large pot with water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and sea salt; bring to a rolling boil.
- Stir in fettuccine and cook over medium heat until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
- Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
- Toss with butter and black pepper.
- Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, luncheon meat, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and liquid smoke; cook and stir until beef is browned, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Transfer beef mixture to a plate lined with paper towels using a slotted spoon.
- Stir bean sprouts, mushrooms, scallions, carrots, and half of the cilantro into the grease in the skillet.
- Cook and stir until bean sprouts are wilted, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Return beef mixture to the skillet; stir until reheated, about 2 minutes.
- Mix beef and bean sprout mixture into the fettuccine in the bowl.
- Garnish with remaining cilantro.
