Green Chili Pasta with Beef.

So this is how it happened….I was searching for a good recipe using green chilies and I came upon one that I thought was interesting. Boy, was I right! It is not only interesting, but AWESOME!!! I changed it a bit and made some additions….as I usually do…I’m just that kinda cook and it was amazing.  The flavor was outstanding and was an immediate hit with my husband!  He even wanted me to make it again the next night.

This recipe is great for another reason….it’s fast and easy. Pretty much a one pot dish…except for cooking the pasta!

It’s also very filling! With a salad or a slice of crusty bread, you are set with a fabulous meal that everyone will love. It’s that good!

Just look at that creamy goodness! A little extra cheese sprinkled on top with some fresh cilantro or parsley would just add extra goodness and beauty to this modest meal.

Here’s how I did it:

• 1 lb of lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 can of red enchilada sauce
• 1 can of green chilies
• 1 tsp of garlic powder
• 1 tsp of ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp of cayenne
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 lb of rigatoni or whatever type of pasta you prefer
• 1 ladle of pasta water

1. In a saucepan, brown ground beef and onions together until browned.
2. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin and garlic powder and stir to combine.
3. Add in the red enchilada sauce and the green chilies and stir to combine.
4. Let simmer on stove while preparing the pasta.
5. In a stock pot, prepare the pasta according to the directions.*
6. Once the pasta is just short of done, add it into the meat mixture along with one ladle of pasta water….a little less depending on the consistency you desire.
7. Stir to combine all of the ingredients.
8. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the mixture and cover with lid.
9. Let simmer on the lowest setting until all of the cheese has melted.
10. Stir together for a creamy finish and serve immediately.
11. Garnish with more cheese and ENJOY!

SO good!  Just talking about it is making me hungry for it right now.

* I like to salt my water once it begins to boil and add a tablespoon of olive oil before adding in the pasta.