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Cowboy Pasta

Cowboy Pasta
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Cowboy Pasta is a quick, comforting, and delicious one-pot dinner combining tender pasta, savory ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy cheesy sauce. This hearty and family-friendly dish uses simple ingredients, bold flavors, and minimal cleanup, making it perfect for satisfying cravings on busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb ground beef

Pasta

  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Dairy & Cheese

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

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat to keep the dish lighter. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened and fragrant.
  3. Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the chopped bell peppers, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld and the vegetables soften.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Mix in the cream cheese or sour cream until melted and smooth. Add the shredded cheddar cheese next, stirring continuously until it melts and combines into a luscious, creamy sauce that coats all the ingredients.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently fold everything together until each piece is evenly coated with the creamy sauce, meat, and vegetables.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; it should have a firm bite to stand up to the creamy sauce.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for better melting and deeper flavor.
  • Drain excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a heavy or greasy dish.
  • Fresh vegetables add color, crunch, and nutrients, making the meal more balanced.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to help it thicken and meld flavors without curdling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Pasta, creamy pasta, ground beef pasta, one-pot dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal, cheesy pasta, southwestern pasta

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/cowboy-pasta/