Southwest Ground Beef Pasta

This Southwest Ground Beef Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavors like chili, paprika, and a little heat from diced tomatoes with green chilies. It’s a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. While the pasta is cooked separately, the sauce and pasta come together in one skillet for easy cleanup. If you love easy, flavorful pasta dishes, check out my One-Pot Spicy Ground Beef Pasta for another simple weeknight dinner idea!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Ground Beef: Ground beef is the base of this dish, adding flavor and protein! If you don’t have ground beef, you could use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for a slightly different flavor.
• Pasta: I used penne pasta for its perfect bite that holds onto all that creamy sauce. You can swap in rotini, rigatoni, or shells if that’s what you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works, too!
• Red Bell Pepper: The diced red bell pepper adds sweetness and color to the dish. If you don’t have red peppers, yellow or orange peppers work well, too.
• Onion: Onion adds depth and flavor. Sweet or yellow onions are best for this recipe, but you can also try white onions if needed.
• Corn: Corn adds a touch of sweetness and texture. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned (just drained), depending on what you have.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This adds a little spice and moisture to the sauce. You can substitute plain diced tomatoes plus 1 to 2 teaspoons of chopped green chilies if needed.
• Spices: Chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper give the dish that classic Southwest flavor. Adjust to taste depending on how spicy you like it.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy whipping cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk with a tablespoon of butter to mimic the creaminess.
• Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses melt into the sauce to make it cheesy and gooey. Sharp cheddar adds flavor, while Monterey Jack gives smooth creaminess. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top for a cheesy finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Penne works great, but you can also use rotini, rigatoni, shells, or any short pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works too.

Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage all work well. Just cook it the same way you would the beef.

Can I add other vegetables to Southwest Ground Beef Pasta?

Yes! This pasta is super flexible. You can stir in zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers of different colors. Add heartier vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms earlier when cooking the beef so they have time to soften, and tender greens like spinach at the end so they just wilt into the sauce.

Can I make Southwest Ground Beef Pasta spicier or milder?

Yes! The diced tomatoes with green chilies add a little heat, but you can adjust the heat to your liking. Use mild tomatoes for less spice, or add extra chili powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne for more kick.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can! Cook everything except the cheese and cream, then store the sauce and cooked pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently and stir in the cream and cheese when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Southwest Ground Beef Pasta?

Yes, this pasta freezes well! Store cooked pasta and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Serving Ideas

• Family Dinner: Serve this pasta straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese and fresh cilantro for a cozy weeknight meal everyone will love.
• Meal Prep: Divide into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners during the week. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
• Add a Side: Pair with cheesy garlic dinner rolls or a simple side salad for a complete, balanced meal. A squeeze of lime over the top adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the Southwest spices.

How to Store Southwest Ground Beef Pasta

Room Temperature: This pasta is best served fresh and shouldn’t sit out for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened.

Freezer: You can freeze cooked pasta and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a little cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.