Once winter fully arrives, home cooks indulge in warm and filling recipes. From hearths to tables, these signature dishes offer warmth and love on even the coldest days. One secret star ingredient all of these comfort food dishes have in common is ground chuck. This under-appreciated cut provides over-the-top flavor and is easy to incorporate into comforting, cold-weather favorites. Ground chuck mixed with aromatic vegetables makes for a delicious soup. It’s the ultimate counteragent to the central business district frosties!
The main protein in the recipe is one pound of ground chuck. Our cooks start by browning the ground chuck, an operation that takes about ten minutes. This seemingly minor step heightens the meat’s unctuous taste. In addition, it helps to establish the dish’s overall flavor balance.
Along with the ground chuck, the recipe features the ‘Trinity’, a traditional mix of diced carrots, celery and onions. This trifecta brings richness and caramely sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the chickpeas’ nuttiness. One measly garlic clove adds an unexpected depth of delicious, aromatic flavor. On the other hand, one big potato, peeled and cut into chunks, adds substantiveness and heft.
To further enrich the flavors, the recipe calls for a bag of frozen peas, which provides a pop of color and sweetness. Salt and pepper are important, seasoning with care and purpose to bring everything together. Most cooks then dump in a ladleful or two of tomato passata for additional moisture and richness. This unique ingredient rounds out the formula with acidity and depth.
Another unexpected-yet-welcome element in this wintry dish is the inclusion of a parmesan cheese rind. As it simmers, the rind adds a nice, deep salty richness to the broth, making the entire bowl of goodness really shine. To complete the comfort food goodness, we stir in half a box of Ditalini pasta. It crisp up beautifully… these perfectly balanced with all of the other elements.
Broth is absolutely essential in this recipe. It melds everything together and makes this cozy, filling foundation. As the casserole comes together, the ground chuck and veggies melt into an oh-so-hearty meal that fills the tummy and soul.
In short, this recipe really sings from December-March. It’s the ideal accompaniment during those cold-weather months when everyone is yearning for cozy comfort foods. Families gather around the table to enjoy this comforting dish, reinforcing traditions and creating lasting memories during the winter months.