Chili Pasta Bake

A friend of mine just started a Pinterest food review group on FB and this was the first recipe she posted in it. She said this was one of her family’s favorite recipes and it looked so good that I told her it was going on our dinner menu ASAP. And that, it did! She wasn’t lying one bit about how good it was and it was surprisingly easy to make, too. I had to share it with you guys immediately, because who doesn’t love an easy, tasty, dinner recipe??

Chili Pasta Bake

Recipe from Tasty Kitchen
Makes 6-8 servings
Ingredients:

• 1/2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 1 lb. ground beef 
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 8 oz. small pasta shells {bow ties, elbow, or rotini would work as well}
• 1 {15 oz.} can tomato sauce
• 1 {1 oz.} can diced tomatoes and green chilies {we use mild}
• 1 {15 oz.} can black beans {kidney or pinto work too}
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 1 dash cayenne powder
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• Sour cream {optional}
• Green onions {optional}

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet on medium high. Add the onion and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until beef is no longer pink.
3. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package directions for firm al dente. Strain pasta and set aside.
4. Once the beef is cooked, add the tomato sauce, tomatoes and chilies, beans, chili powder, cumin, cayenne powder, and water. Mix well and then let simmer for 5 minutes. Add the pasta and stir to combine.
5. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and top with cheese. Let bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese has fully melted.
6. Top with sour cream and green onions, if desired, and enjoy!