Ingredients

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, ribs and seeds removed, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup Neelys BBQ sauce (recipe follows)
  • One 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • One 28-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
  • One 15-ounce can ranch-style pinto beans
  • Dash of hot sauce, preferably Tabasco
  • Green onions, sliced, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for garnish
  • Grated cheddar cheese, for garnish
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup apple-cider vinegar
  • 5 tablespoons light-brown sugar
  • 5 tablespoons granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • (makes 3 1/2 cups)

Method

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Once its boiling, add the pasta and cook until its al dente.
  • Drain well in a colander, toss in olive oil, and reserve.
  • Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until it is just lightly crisp and its fat has rendered.
  • Toss in the onion, jalapeno, and garlic, and saute until tender.
  • Add the beef to the veggies to brown, breaking up with a wooden spoon.
  • Plop the tomato paste into the pan, and stir until incorporated.
  • Stir in the BBQ sauce, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beans, and simmer for 20 minutes, to allow the flavors to marry.
  • Taste for seasoning, and add hot sauce and salt and pepper if desired.
  • Add the pasta to the meat mixture, and stir well to combine.
  • Serve in bowls, garnished with green onions, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients.
  • Bring mixture to a boil, and reduce heat to simmer.
  • Cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, for 1 hour 15 minutes.