Chipotle Cheese Ground Beef Penne Bake

• 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
• 2 tablespoons chipotle chile pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook penne according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3 In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned; drain if necessary.
4. 4 Add garlic, green chiles, tomato paste, cumin, black beans, enchilada sauce, and chipotle peppers; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. 5 Combine beef mixture with cooked penne.
6. 6 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 7 Top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese.
8. 8 Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
9. 9 Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining cheese and cilantro.
10. 10 Return to oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
11. 11 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish

Variations

• Add corn for extra texture, or substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.

Substitutions

• If you can't find enchilada sauce, substitute with a mix of tomato sauce and taco seasoning.

Pairings

• Pairs well with a crisp Mexican lager or a lime-infused agua fresca.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra spice, add an additional chipotle pepper.
• This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of fresh avocado slices or a simple green salad.

FAQ