Mexican Pasta Dinner

Transform your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and hearty Mexican Pasta Dinner, a bold fusion of comforting pasta and zesty Mexican flavors. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, and a medley of spices including cumin and chili powder, this one-skillet wonder is both savory and satisfying. Topped with melty Mexican blend cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, each bite bursts with rich, tangy flavor. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, this recipe is an ideal option for family meals or casual gatherings. Perfectly customizable and packed with protein, it’s a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 14.5 oz Canned diced tomatoes (with green chilies)
• 15 oz Black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup Frozen corn kernels
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1.5 tsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1.5 cups Shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 4 pieces Lime wedges (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 3

Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 4

Mix in the canned diced tomatoes (including juices), black beans, and frozen corn. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Add the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld together.

Step 6

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 7

Reduce heat to low and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Garnish with chopped cilantro, if using, and serve warm with lime wedges on the side for a zesty twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2182.5 grams (2182.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3795

Total Fat 167.30g	214%
Saturated Fat 67.30g	337%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 471mg	157%
Sodium 4669mg	203%
Total Carbohydrate 397.70g	145%
Dietary Fiber 50.90g	182%
Total Sugars 29.20g
Protein 192.20g	384%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1540mg	118%
Iron 34mg	187%
Potassium 4433mg	94%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.0%

Protein: 19.9%

Carbs: 41.2%