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To make Cowboy Pasta Skillet, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s a simple list: - 8 oz rotini pasta - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 cup beef or vegetable broth - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Gathering these ingredients makes the cooking fun. You can find most of them in your kitchen or at a local store. Each item plays a role in creating that rich, hearty flavor. The rotini pasta adds a nice bite, while the ground beef or turkey gives it a satisfying base. The diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a kick. Black beans and corn add texture and color. Finally, the cheese melts into gooey goodness. For the full recipe, you can follow the detailed steps. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy cooking! 1. Sautéing onions and garlic Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook it until it turns soft and clear, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute. This step brings out the sweet aroma of the garlic and onion. 2. Cooking ground beef or turkey Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Include salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin for flavor. Cook this mixture until the meat is browned, which takes about 6 to 7 minutes. Make sure to stir often so it cooks evenly. 3. Mixing in vegetables and broth Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, black beans, corn, and broth. Stir everything together until well mixed. This adds color and nutrients to your dish. 4. Adding pasta and simmering Bring your mixture to a simmer. Once it bubbles, add the rotini pasta. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente, soaking up most of the liquid. 5. Incorporating cheese and adjusting seasoning After cooking, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and blends in. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. This final touch adds richness and depth to the flavor. Following these steps will take you through making a hearty Cowboy Pasta Skillet. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. How to ensure al dente pasta: To achieve al dente pasta, cook the rotini in boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package suggests. Stir it often to prevent sticking. The pasta will finish cooking when you add it to the skillet. It will soak up the flavors as it simmers with the sauce. Best practices for seasoning: Season your dish in layers. Start with the ground beef and add salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Taste the mixture before adding the pasta. After the pasta cooks, taste again. Adjust the seasoning as needed. This method helps build layers of flavor. Optimal cheese melting techniques: For the best cheese melt, remove the skillet from heat before adding cheddar. Stir the cheese in quickly while the dish is still hot. This keeps the cheese creamy and prevents it from becoming rubbery. You can also cover the skillet for a minute to help the cheese melt evenly. These tips will help you create a hearty and flavorful Cowboy Pasta Skillet. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can easily change Cowboy Pasta Skillet to fit your needs. If you want a vegetarian dish, swap the meat for more beans or lentils. This keeps the meal filling and tasty. You can use black beans, chickpeas, or even lentils for a fun twist. If you want to play with pasta, feel free to try different kinds. You can use penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time. Each type cooks a bit differently, but they all work great in this dish. Adjusting the spice level is simple, too. If you like it mild, skip the chili powder or use less. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. You can also top your skillet with hot sauce for extra flavor. No matter how you customize it, Cowboy Pasta Skillet stays hearty and delicious. For the full recipe, check out the section above. To keep your Cowboy Pasta Skillet fresh, start by refrigerating leftovers within two hours. Use a tight lid or wrap the skillet with plastic wrap. This way, it stays tasty for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze your pasta skillet. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove extra air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the pasta. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also microwave it in a safe bowl. Just cover it with a paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. For more tips, check out the Full Recipe. Can I make Cowboy Pasta Skillet ahead of time? Yes, you can make Cowboy Pasta Skillet ahead of time. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. What sides pair well with Cowboy Pasta Skillet? Some great sides for Cowboy Pasta Skillet include: - Garlic bread - Fresh salad - Steamed broccoli - Corn on the cob These sides balance the hearty pasta and add freshness to your meal. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make Cowboy Pasta Skillet gluten-free, use gluten-free rotini pasta. Check labels on canned goods for gluten-free options. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt this dish. Enjoy the same great flavors without gluten! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section above. Cowboy Pasta Skillet is a simple yet tasty dish. We covered key ingredients like rotini pasta, ground beef, and black beans. The steps to prepare it—from sautéing onions to mixing in cheese—are easy to follow. You can customize your dish with different veggies or spice levels, too. Remember to store leftovers properly. Refrigerate or freeze them for later meals. This recipe is quick, fun, and sure to please everyone. Enjoy your cooking and feel free to experiment with your own twists!

Cowboy Pasta Skillet

Savor the bold flavors of Cowboy Pasta Skillet, a hearty and delicious meal perfect for busy nights! This one-skillet dish combines rotini pasta, ground beef or turkey, black beans, corn, and melted cheddar for a comforting dinner everyone will love. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a hassle-free way to enjoy a filling meal. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and make dinnertime a breeze!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini pasta

1 lb ground beef or turkey

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup beef or vegetable broth

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.

        Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, black beans, corn, and broth. Stir to combine.

          Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the rotini pasta. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

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

              Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

                Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4-6