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To make Cowboy Pasta, gather these key items: - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Cowboy Pasta

Embark on a delicious adventure with Cowboy Pasta, a dish brimming with flavor and heartiness! Perfect for family dinners, this recipe combines ingredients like ground beef, black beans, and zesty spices for a satisfying meal. Discover tips for perfecting the dish, explore fun variations, and learn how to keep leftovers fresh. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to dive into the full Cowboy Pasta recipe now!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz penne pasta

1 lb ground beef

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

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

      Add the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

        Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to medium and stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine everything and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

          Mix Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and stir gently until the pasta is well coated with the beef and vegetable mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

            Cheese It Up: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and cover the skillet for a minute or two until the cheese melts.

              Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra creamy finish.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4