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Cowboy Pasta

Cowboy Pasta

Cowboy Pasta is a quick, hearty, and flavorful dinner that combines tender pasta with savory ground meat, fresh vegetables, creamy cheese, and southwestern spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile and family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily customized to suit different dietary needs or preferences.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey

Vegetables and Beans

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Creaminess

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

Optional Variations

  • Diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for spice
  • Extra beans, corn, or sautéed mushrooms for vegetarian option
  • Vegan cheese and dairy-free sour cream substitute for dairy-free version
  • Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for low-carb version

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Meat: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through.
  3. Add Vegetables and Beans: Stir in diced bell peppers, black beans, and drained diced tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables soften and flavors meld.
  4. Spice It Up: Add chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute southwestern spices for balanced flavor.
  5. Stir in Cheese and Creaminess: Reduce heat to low and fold in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream or cream cheese. Stir until melted and creamy, forming a smooth sauce coating the pasta and veggies.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta into the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen to desired consistency.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Top with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley if desired, adding a fresh herbal brightness before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta for the best texture; it should be slightly firm.
  • Brown the meat well to enhance flavor and texture.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor and excellent melting.
  • Cook meat and veggies in one pan to reduce cleanup.
  • Adjust spice levels gradually to suit personal heat preferences.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southwestern / American
  • Diet: Can be adapted for Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Low-Carb

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Cowboy Pasta, quick dinner, ground beef pasta, southwestern pasta, easy weeknight recipe, cheesy pasta, family-friendly dinner