Description

Hearty Cowboy Pasta is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines the comfort of home-cooked meals with vibrant flavors. Featuring tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, this recipe is perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners. The gooey melted cheese on top adds an irresistible finish, making every bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb lean ground beef
12 oz penne or rotini pasta
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 cup bell peppers (red or green), diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Gather and prepare all your ingredients by chopping the onion, bell peppers, and mincing the garlic.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add ground beef and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until vegetables soften (3-4 minutes).
Stir in canned tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; simmer for about 10 minutes.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and add to the sauce in the skillet.
Mix well to combine; sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover until melted (about 3 minutes). Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 390
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. This dish can be made ahead of time; simply reheat when ready to serve. To make a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms.