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Cowboy Pasta

Cowboy Pasta

Cowboy Pasta is a quick and hearty one-pot meal that combines savory ground beef, tender pasta, colorful vegetables, and creamy cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers bold southwestern flavors with minimal clean-up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta (uncooked)
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Mexican seasoning blend (cumin, chili powder, paprika)
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 bell pepper, diced

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This step creates the savory base for the dish.
  2. Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Peppers: Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers (if using) to the browned beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
  3. Add Seasonings and Liquid: Sprinkle in the Mexican seasoning blend and stir well to coat the meat and vegetables. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth or water, stirring to combine.
  4. Stir in Pasta and Beans: Add the uncooked pasta and rinsed black beans directly to the skillet. Ensure pasta is submerged under the liquid. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Finish with Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again for 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become gooey.

Notes

  • Use a wide skillet to help the pasta cook evenly and prevent sticking.
  • Keep an eye on the pasta to avoid overcooking; it should remain al dente.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to prevent sticking and burning.
  • Adjust spice level by modifying seasoning amounts or adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
  • Use fresh garlic and onion for a more vibrant flavor compared to powders.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-Pot Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: Southwestern
  • Diet: Can be made Gluten-Free if gluten-free pasta is used

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Cowboy Pasta, one-pot pasta, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, southwestern pasta, family-friendly dinner