Mexican Pasta Skillet

Discover the bold flavors of tex-mex cuisine in this easy and delicious Mexican Pasta Skillet. A flavorful and savory combination of ground beef, salsa, cilantro, corn, black beans, and queso fresco. It's a healthier Mexican-inspired dinner recipe that is easily customizable.

Course Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword mexican pasta

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 591kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Equipment

Ingredients

1 box (16 oz) garden rotini pasta (or plain rotini pasta)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon cumin
1 jar (24 oz) salsa
1 can (15 oz) yellow corn drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans drained & rinsed
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
sliced avocados & crumbled queso fresco cheese (garnishes)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the garden rotini pasta according to package directions.
When done, drain the pasta but do not rinse it.
^{* I prefer a softer pasta so I cook a few minutes past the al dente time listed on the box. If you prefer a firmer pasta then cook to al dente.}
1 box (16 oz) garden rotini pasta
In a large skillet pan, over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef, garlic, and cumin until meat is no longer pink. About 5-7 minutes.
Drain the excess grease from the pan.
1 pound lean ground beef, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon cumin
Add the cooked & drained pasta, salsa, corn, and black beans into the skillet pan. Stir well to combine.
1 jar (24 oz) salsa, 1 can (15 oz) yellow corn, 1 can (15 oz) black beans
Continue cooking for about 10 minutes and until everything is combined and heated through.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.
Serve hot garnished with sliced avocado and crumbled queso fresco cheese or cotija cheese.
1/3 cup chopped cilantro

Notes

Garlic : Use 1 tablespoon of fresh garlic cloves that have been minced or pressed, use 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic from a jar, 1 tablespoon of garlic paste, OR you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if wanted.

What Changes Can I Make To This Recipe?

- Meat : You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can even omit the meat completely and sauté the garlic in butter and oil, and adding an additional can of beans to replace the meat.
- Pasta : You can use any type of pasta you prefer, making sure it's a medium-sized pasta, in place of the rotini pasta noodles. Penne, fusilli, bow ties, spirals, medium shell pasta, or elbow macaroni are all great options.
- Salsa : Use your favorite salsa, chunky, smooth, restaurant style. Whatever you want. You can also choose to use a hot or spicy version of salsa for some heat. Or use mild salsa for a crowd pleaser spice level.
- Beans : Kidney beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, navy beans, cannellini beans, white beans, etc are all great options.
- Spice Level : You can adjust the spice level, mild or hot, by using mild, medium, or hot salsa. Additionally, you can add chili powder, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to taste.
- Toppings : Add some extra toppings to this Mexican pasta such as shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, etc.

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