Tex Mex Stovetop Pasta with Ground Beef and Kidney Beans

Name: Tex Mex Stovetop Pasta with Ground Beef and Kidney Beans
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small white onion, diced; 1.5 cup bell peppers, cut in 1-inch cubes; 2 medium garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 14 oz can kidney beans; 2 cups tomato puree; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro; 3 cups pasta, cooked; fresh cilantro

A hearty one-pot pasta dish that combines seasoned ground beef with bell peppers, kidney beans, and tomato puree in a spicy Tex-Mex blend. The cumin and cayenne pepper create a warming kick while fresh cilantro adds brightness. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying and flavorful without much cleanup. The pasta absorbs the savory sauce, making each bite rich and comforting.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Level: medium
Cuisine: American

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Dairy-Free Nut-Free

Ingredients

6 servings

1 pound ground beef
ground turkey1:1healthier
Reduces fat content
Full guide →
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small white onion, diced
1 ½ cup bell peppers, cut in 1-inch cubes
2 medium garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
chili powder1:1milder
Less heat, more complex flavor
Full guide →
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 14 oz can kidney beans
black beans1:1flavor
Different bean flavor profile
Full guide →
2 cups tomato puree
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
3 cups pasta, cooked
fresh cilantro

Method

9 steps

1
Season ground beef with garlic and spices in a medium bowl
2
Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat
3
Cook onion and bell peppers for 2 minutes
4
Add seasoned beef and cook for 1 minute, breaking it up
5
Add beans, tomato puree and cilantro
6
Stir and bring to a simmer for 1 minute
7
Switch off stove and add cooked pasta
8
Stir to combine and adjust salt and pepper if needed
9
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot

Tips

Tip 1

Cook pasta separately and slightly underdone since it will absorb sauce when mixed

Tip 2

Use any pasta shape you prefer - penne, rotini, or shells work particularly well for holding the chunky sauce

Tip 3

Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after mixing to allow flavors to meld and pasta to absorb more sauce

Good to Know

Storage

Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days

Make Ahead

Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently on stovetop with splash of water

Serve With

Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Cook pasta separately to avoid mushy texture

Watch

Do not overcook vegetables to maintain some crunch

Watch

Season beef thoroughly before cooking for better flavor distribution

Substitutions

ground beef→

ground turkey1:1healthier

Reduces fat content

Full guide →

kidney beans→

black beans1:1flavor

Different bean flavor profile

Full guide →

cayenne pepper→

chili powder1:1milder

Less heat, more complex flavor

Full guide →

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use a different type of bean?

Yes, black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas work well as substitutes for kidney beans with similar cooking times.

What if I do not have tomato puree?

You can substitute with crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, though the consistency will be slightly different.

How long will this keep in the refrigerator?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of water if needed.