Holy Hot
A spicy, hearty pasta dish packed with ground beef, hot sausage, jalapenos, and raisins, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and a bit of heat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. hot sausage ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) macaroni ⓘ
- 1/3 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 2 large jalapeno peppers, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin seed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in a large pot.
- Brown the hot sausage and ground beef, then drain excess fat.
- Add the cooked meat and all other ingredients to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and rinse with hot water.
- Add the cooked macaroni and raisins to the pot and cook on medium heat for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked macaroni. Instead of ground beef, Sirloin Beef Tips can be a great substitution for added flavor. You can also mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread to balance the heat. For a complete meal, serve with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top. It also goes well with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade. Explore more American recipes for additional meal ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until hot. Add a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holy Hot contains roughly 667 calories, with 21g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 650mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef and hot sausage with plant-based alternatives like lentils or veggie crumbles. Adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavors, and consider adding more vegetables to maintain the dish's heartiness.
How can I adjust the heat level?
To control the spice, reduce the number of jalapenos or omit the cayenne pepper. For a milder version, use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot sausage. Adding a dollop of sour cream can also help balance the heat when serving.
What can I serve this dish with?
This dish is versatile and pairs well with a simple green salad, crusty bread, or even cornbread. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of coleslaw to add some crunch and freshness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).