![- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 1 lb (450g) ground beef - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil Cowboy pasta shines with simple, hearty ingredients. The penne pasta gives a nice bite. I love using ground beef for its rich flavor. Diced tomatoes add a juicy touch. Fresh or frozen corn brings sweetness. Bell pepper adds color and crunch. Don't forget the onion and garlic for depth. - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 tablespoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Spices make cowboy pasta sing! Chili powder gives it warmth. Ground cumin adds a hint of earthiness. Smoked paprika brings a lovely smokiness. Season with salt and black pepper to balance the flavors. - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Garnishes add fun and flair. Shredded cheddar cheese melts and adds creaminess. Fresh cilantro leaves brighten the dish. You can mix and match these toppings for your family’s taste. This cowboy pasta’s ingredients make it a family favorite. You can find the full recipe in the next section. Enjoy cooking! First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Then, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means firm but cooked. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat for this. When the oil is hot, add 1 lb of ground beef. Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it for 6 to 7 minutes until it is fully browned. This step adds a lot of flavor to your dish. Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Stir and sauté these for about 5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften and smell great. After that, stir in 1 cup of corn, 1 can of drained diced tomatoes, and the spices. Use 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix it all well. Let this simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. This lets the flavors blend nicely. Now it’s time to add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is well-coated with the beef and veggie mix. This is where the magic happens, and all the flavors come together. For the final touch, evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid for 2 to 3 minutes. The steam will melt the cheese perfectly. Once the cheese is gooey and delicious, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy your Cowboy Pasta hot, and feel free to check out the [Full Recipe] for more tips! To avoid overcooked pasta, follow a few simple steps. First, always check the package for cooking times. Set a timer for one or two minutes less than the recommended time. This way, your pasta stays firm, or "al dente." Stir the pasta while it cooks. This helps prevent sticking. Once it’s ready, drain it right away. Rinse it briefly under cold water if you won't use it immediately. This stops the cooking process. You can boost the flavor of Cowboy Pasta in many ways. Adding spices like cayenne pepper or garlic powder gives it a kick. Try smoked paprika for a deeper taste. If you want to switch up the meat, ground turkey or chicken also works great. For a heartier dish, add some cooked sausage or diced ham. You can even toss in some black beans for extra protein and a twist. When serving Cowboy Pasta, presentation matters. Use wide, rustic bowls for a hearty look. Top each serving with a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh cilantro for color. Pair it with warm cornbread for a comforting touch. Pickled jalapeños on the side add a nice crunch and some heat. This meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. You can find the full recipe for more guidance on cooking this tasty dish. {{image_4}} You can easily make Cowboy Pasta meat-free. Just substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives. Options include lentils, black beans, or a store-bought meat substitute. This keeps the dish hearty while adding fiber and protein. The flavor profile remains rich, thanks to the same spices and vegetables. If you love heat, try adding jalapeños or hot sauce. Start with one diced jalapeño, and adjust based on your spice tolerance. Hot sauce can also add a nice kick. This variation gives your Cowboy Pasta a zesty twist. You’ll enjoy the extra layer of flavor with every bite. Cowboy Pasta is flexible. Feel free to incorporate different beans, vegetables, or cheeses. Black beans, kidney beans, or even chickpeas work great. For veggies, consider adding zucchini or spinach. You can mix in mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for different tastes. This way, you can personalize your meal to suit your family’s preferences. Just remember, the more colorful the veggies, the better! To store your Cowboy Pasta leftovers, first let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. To freeze Cowboy Pasta, use freezer-safe containers. Portion out your pasta to make reheating easier. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Cowboy Pasta stays fresh for three days in the fridge. If frozen, it remains good for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. Enjoy your delicious meal even days later! Yes, you can! While I love penne pasta, other kinds work well too. You might try rotini or fusilli for a fun twist. These shapes hold the sauce nicely. You could also use bowtie or even spaghetti if that’s what you have. Just remember to cook them according to the package instructions. You have many choices! Ground turkey or chicken is a great swap. They are leaner and still tasty. For a vegetarian option, try lentils or black beans. They add protein and fiber. Crumbled tofu or tempeh also works well. Each choice changes the flavor, so pick what you like best! To reheat without losing taste, use the stove or microwave. On the stove, add a splash of water in a pan over low heat. Stir often until hot. If using the microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir between intervals so it heats evenly without drying out. Yes, it is! You can cook everything in one skillet. First, cook the pasta in boiling water, then drain it. Next, use the same skillet for the beef and veggies. This method saves time and cuts down on dishes. Plus, all the flavors meld together, making it even better! Cowboy Pasta combines simple ingredients and bold flavors. You start with penne, beef, and tasty veggies. Spices like chili powder and cumin give it a kick. You can customize it to fit your taste, whether you prefer it spicy or meat-free. This dish is not just hearty—it’s easy to store and reheat. I encourage you to try this fun recipe in your kitchen. It’s sure to become a family favorite!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/558666bf-8423-4fc7-a9ad-dceda46495db-250x250.webp)
- Cowboy Pasta
Spice up your dinner with Cowboy Pasta, a delicious and family-friendly meal that's easy to make! This recipe features hearty ground beef, colorful veggies, and penne pasta, all brought together with flavorful spices. Perfect for busy nights, it's sure to impress everyone at the table. Discover how to create this tasty dish and explore variations to suit your family's taste. Click to check out the full recipe and start cooking!