Southwest Beef Pasta

Satisfy your craving for bold, zesty flavors with this Southwest Beef Pasta recipe, a one-pot wonder that comes together in just 40 minutes! Juicy ground beef, tender penne pasta, and hearty black beans are simmered in a rich, spiced tomato base infused with the smoky warmth of cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Vibrant red bell peppers and creamy cheddar cheese enhance this dish with a balanced blend of textures and flavors, while a splash of heavy cream adds a velvety finish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly dinner is an effortless fusion of Southwest-inspired spices and comforting pasta. Serve it hot, topped with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Step 2

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3

Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.

Step 4

Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.

Step 5

Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, black beans, chicken broth, and uncooked penne pasta. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.

Step 7

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 9

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2782.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3721.6

Total Fat 180.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 542.1mg	0%
Sodium 5957.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 350.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.1g	0%
Total Sugars 43.1g
Protein 183.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1278.6mg	0%
Iron 26.8mg	0%
Potassium 4901.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.2%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 37.3%