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In this easy pasta dish, our beef and brussels sprouts get pops of bright flavor from briny capers and Calabrian chile paste—a perfect partner for the hearty texture of whole grain pipe rigate.

Ethan Mick

with Brussels Sprouts

Whole Grain Pasta & Beef Ragù

Ground Beef

Whole Grain Pipe Rigate Pasta

Brussels Sprouts

Garlic

Calabrian Chile Paste

Crema Bel Paese Cheese

Capers

Tomato Paste

Ingredients

Fill a medium pot with salted water; cover and heat to boiling on high. Wash and dry the **brussels sprouts**. Cut off and discard the root end of the brussels sprouts; quarter lengthwise. Peel and roughly chop **2 cloves of garlic**.

Prepare the ingredients:

In a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the **quartered brussels sprouts** in an even layer; season with salt and pepper. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until slightly softened. Using a spoon, move the brussels sprouts to one side of the pan.

Brown the brussels sprouts:

Add the **beef** to the other side of the pan; season with salt and pepper. Cook, frequently breaking the meat apart with a spoon, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the **chopped garlic**, **capers**, **tomato paste**, and **as much of the chile paste as you’d like**, depending on how spicy you’d like the dish to be. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 3 to 4 minutes, or until combined and the beef is cooked through. Turn off the heat. Stir in the **bel paese cheese** until combined.

Cook the beef:

While the beef cooks, add the **pasta** to the pot of boiling water. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite). Reserving **1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water**, drain thoroughly.

Cook the pasta:

Add the **cooked pasta** and **half the reserved pasta cooking water **to the pan of **cooked beef and brussels sprouts**. Cook on medium-high, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the pasta is coated (if necessary, gradually add the remaining cooking water to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated). Turn off the heat. Taste, then season with salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy!