Hidden Veggie Beef Pasta (One Pot, Kid-Friendly)

A super easy reliable dinner for nights when you don’t want to think, chop finely, or negotiate. Everything is small, easy to swallow and cooks in one pot. Melty cheese deals the deal and the savoury sauce makes the pasta go down easy.

Why I Love It:

✔ No fine chopping
✔ One pot, minimal washing
✔ Hidden vegetables without drama
✔ Reliable, repeatable, comforting

Ingredients:

Hidden Veggie Blend:

- 1 carrot
- 1 onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- A handful of mushrooms

Ingredients:

- 300–500 g minced beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can tinned tomatoes
- 1 beef stock cube or 500 ml water (adjust as needed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- A sprinkle of dried oregano
- A sprinkle of dried parsley
- Pasta of choice
- 200 g shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Roughly chop the carrot, onion, garlic and mushrooms. Blend in a food processor until finely minced. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add minced beef and sauté until browned.
If there is excess oil, remove it gently with a paper towel.
3. Add the blended vegetable mixture to the beef. Sauté until fragrant. Sprinkle in the dried oregano.
4. Add the tinned tomatoes. Rinse the tomato can with one can of water and pour it into the pot as well.
5. Add salt, sugar and soy sauce. Cover and simmer for 20–40 minutes, stirring occasionally under beef is tender.
6. Add pasta directly into the pot along with extra water as needed to just cover the pasta.
7. Stir every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Add more water if the sauce becomes too thick.
8. Once the pasta is al dente, sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover for 1 minute until melted.
9. Sprinkle with dried parsley and serve immediately.

👶🏻 Toddler-Friendly Tip:

Blend the vegetables extra smooth and keep seasoning gentle. You can serve before adding cheese if your child prefers plainer flavours.