المبقبكة

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat

Add oil, and when hot, add the beef cubes

Sprinkle the beef with salt, black pepper, and beef spices, then allow it to brown evenly on all sides

Add the chopped onion and hot pepper (optional), and stir them with the beef

Add the tomato paste and stir for a minute, scraping anything stuck to the bottom of the pot

Add the tomato juice and hot water to cover the meat completely

Add the bay leaves, sugar, and optional stock cube, then cover the pot and let the meat cook on low heat

Add more hot water as needed while cooking, stirring occasionally

Once the meat is tender, add the pasta, cover the pot again, and let it cook with the pasta

Stir and add water when needed until the pasta and meat are fully cooked

Once ready, taste and adjust the salt to your liking