SOUTHWESTERN SKILLET (GROUND BEEF)

SOUTHWESTERN SKILLET (GROUND BEEF) image

Categories Beef

Number Of Ingredients 14

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Serves 4
Pinto beans, wagon wheel pasta, and the flavors of the American Southwest make this a fun dish for kids as well as adults. The ground beef is optional, or could be replaced by ground turkey, and you can modify the "heat" by using more or less hot pepper sauce.
1/2 lb. wagon wheel pasta
4 tsp. canola or olive oil, divided
4 oz. ground round
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups cooked OR 1 14 oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed if canned
4 cups OR 2 14 oz. cans diced tomatoes
Hot red pepper sauce to taste
1 Tbs. cilantro, coarsely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated low-fat cheddar cheese

Steps:

Cook pasta in plenty of boiling water until done but still firm to the bite (al dente). While pasta cooks, heat 2 teaspoons of oil in a large nonstick skillet over low heat. Add ground beef and cook, stirring, until brown and crumbly. Remove to a colander and rinse under hot water to remove excess fat. Wipe out pan, add remaining 2 teaspoons of oil, and place over medium heat. Add onion, green pepper, and garlic. SautÈ for 3 minutes. Add cooked beef, beans, and tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Stir in hot pepper sauce, cilantro, and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper. Add drained wagon wheels, mix well, and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and serve