Description

Experience the delightful flavors of Southwest Ground Beef Pasta! This dish combines perfectly cooked penne, savory ground beef, and a blend of vibrant spices for a quick and comforting meal that’s great for busy weeknights. It’s an easy, homemade recipe that will surely satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces penne
1 pound ground beef
1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 cup (145 g) corn, fresh, frozen, or canned (drained)
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, like rotel, undrained
1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
1 cup (113 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup (57 g) monterey jack, shredded
Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess grease if necessary.
Add diced red bell pepper and yellow onion to the skillet; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper; cook for an additional minute to release flavors.
Mix in minced garlic, corn, and diced tomatoes (with their juices); simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Pour in heavy whipping cream, stirring to combine until heated through.
Add the cooked penne to the meat mixture; fold in the shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheeses until melted and creamy.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 470
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 90mg