Introduction
If you’re looking for a satisfying, easy-to-make dinner that’s packed with flavor, this Creamy Southwest Pasta Bake is the answer! This dish combines tender pasta with hearty ground beef, earthy black beans, sweet corn, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s spiced up with classic southwestern seasonings, giving it a zesty and savory taste that everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or even a potluck. It’s filling, comforting, and a great way to enjoy the taste of the Southwest in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups (8 oz) uncooked penne pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel preferred)
- 1 cup salsa (medium or mild, based on preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Veggies
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until melted and fully combined. Add the salsa and mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy ground beef mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: Layer the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheese.
Step 7: Bake the Pasta
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
COOKING Note
- To ensure a creamy texture, use full-fat sour cream and cream cheese.
- You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a diced jalapeño or use hot salsa.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Southwest Pasta Bake pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For an extra burst of freshness, serve it with a side of guacamole or salsa.
Tips
- For a smoky flavor, add 1/2 tsp of chipotle powder or diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven.
- This dish can be frozen. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fiber: 6 g
Conclusion
This Creamy Southwest Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the vibrant and bold flavors of the Southwest in a warm, cheesy, and satisfying casserole. It’s sure to become a family favorite, whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a gathering. The combination of tender pasta, hearty ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce makes every bite unforgettable. Enjoy this flavorful dish with your loved ones, and don’t forget the extra sprinkle of cilantro for that fresh, zesty finish!
Print
Creamy Southwest Pasta Bake with Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Corn
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups (8 oz) uncooked penne pasta
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel preferred)
- 1 cup salsa (medium or mild, based on preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Veggies
Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine. Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the softened cream cheese and sour cream until melted and fully combined. Add the salsa and mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy ground beef mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: Layer the Casserole
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture. Top with half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheese.
Step 7: Bake the Pasta
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 720mg
- Protein: 22g