Cheesy Fiesta Beef Pasta Skillet
This Cheesy Fiesta Beef Pasta Skillet is a vibrant, one-pan dish that combines hearty ground beef, colorful vegetables, and creamy Velveeta cheese into a flavorful meal. Perfectly spiced with diced tomatoes and green chilies, it’s an ideal comfort food for busy weeknights or a casual gathering with family and friends. The pasta cooks right in the skillet, absorbing all the delicious flavors for a satisfying and easy-to-make dinner that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 lb (browned and drained)
diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (10 ounce) can (undrained)
water
2 cups (none)
rotini pasta
3 cups (uncooked)
green pepper
1 (chopped)
Velveeta cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping the green pepper into small pieces and cutting the Velveeta cheese into cubes.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
3
Add the undrained can of diced tomatoes and green chilies to the skillet along with 2 cups of water. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta and the chopped green pepper. Once everything is combined, reduce the heat to medium-low.
5
Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
6
Finally, add the cubes of Velveeta cheese to the skillet, stirring until completely melted and creamy. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Fiesta Beef Pasta Skillet?
It is a vibrant, one-pan dish that combines hearty ground beef, colorful vegetables, and creamy Velveeta cheese into a flavorful and comforting meal.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef, which should be browned and drained before adding other ingredients.
Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the skillet?
No, the rotini pasta is added to the skillet uncooked and it absorbs the liquid as it simmers.
What type of cheese is best for this beef pasta skillet?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese, cubed, to ensure a creamy and smooth consistency.
How much water do I need to add?
You will need 2 cups of water to cook the pasta directly in the skillet.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes and green chilies?
No, you should use the entire 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes and green chilies without draining the liquid.
How long does the pasta need to simmer?
The pasta should simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of uncooked rotini pasta, which holds the cheese sauce well.
Can I add extra vegetables to this skillet?
Yes, while the recipe includes a green pepper, you can easily add other vegetables like corn or onions to enhance the flavor.
Do I need to cover the pan while cooking?
Yes, you should cover the skillet while it simmers for 15 minutes to help the pasta cook evenly.
Is this a good recipe for busy weeknights?
Absolutely, it is a quick one-dish meal designed for easy preparation and minimal cleanup.
How do I prepare the green pepper?
The green pepper should be chopped into small pieces before being added to the skillet with the pasta.
When do I add the Velveeta cheese?
The cubed Velveeta cheese is added at the very end, once the pasta is tender, and stirred until completely melted.
What should I do if the beef is too fatty?
After browning the ground beef, make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean and flavorful.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While rotini is recommended, other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli would also work well in this skillet.
What makes this dish 'fiesta' style?
The combination of green peppers, diced tomatoes, and green chilies gives it a vibrant, southwestern-inspired flavor profile.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: ground beef, diced tomatoes with chilies, water, rotini pasta, green pepper, and Velveeta cheese.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the canned green chilies, but you can adjust the spice level by choosing 'mild' or 'hot' versions of the tomatoes and chilies.
Can I make this in a single pan?
Yes, this is a one-pan skillet recipe where everything from browning the beef to cooking the pasta happens in one dish.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to chop the green pepper into small pieces and cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes.
How do I know when the dish is finished?
The dish is finished when the pasta is tender, the liquid is mostly absorbed, and the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter version of this cheesy skillet.
What size can of tomatoes and chilies is used?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the use of 1 lb of beef and 3 cups of pasta typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Should I stir the mixture while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir occasionally while it simmers for 15 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Can I use frozen green peppers?
Yes, frozen chopped green peppers can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh ones.
What heat level should I use to bring the mixture to a boil?
Increase the heat to high to bring the water and tomato mixture to a boil before adding the pasta.
How do I cut the Velveeta cheese?
The Velveeta cheese should be cut into cubes so that it melts quickly and evenly into the sauce.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, the creamy cheese and pasta make it a very kid-friendly and family-oriented dinner choice.
Can I store leftovers of this beef pasta skillet?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheated for a delicious lunch or dinner later.