Cowboy Pasta Hearty and Flavorful Family Meal

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (your choice, such as penne or fusilli)
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and diced red bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well and simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, allowing it to melt slightly, then remove from heat.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro.