2.5cupschicken brothor vegetable broth, or water in a pinch
8oz.farfalleor other similar shape- see notes
15oz.canned black beansdrained and rinsed
1cupfrozen cornor fresh corn kernels
2cupsshredded Mexican cheese such as cheddar, Monterey jack, a blend, etc.
chopped cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges, sour creamor any other taco fixings, for serving (optional)
Instructions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil (1 tablespoon) over medium high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened and starting to brown (about 3 minutes).
Add the ground beef (1 lb.), minced garlic (2 cloves) and taco seasoning (1 tablespoon). Cook until ground beef is fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, (about 5 minutes).
Add the chicken broth (2.5 cups) and salsa (1 cup). Bring to a boil. Add the pasta (8 oz.) and stir together. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is cooked all the way and liquid has mostly been absorbed, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans and frozen corn (1 cup). Continue heating for 2 minutes or so, stirring occasionally, until corn and beans are heated through. Stir in the shredded cheese (2 cups) until melted. Serve, garnished with fixings if desired.
Notes
Other pasta shapes: While I haven't tried this with any other pasta shape, I do think you can substitute rotini, large macaroni, penne, or a pasta shape of a similar size and density for the farfalle. Something like spaghetti might not do as well with this timing and liquid amounts, since it's thinner and may require less liquid.
If it seems too liquidy, allow it to sit for about 5 minutes to cool in the pan after adding the cheese. It should thicken as it cools. Alternatively, if it seems like there isn't enough liquid and the pasta seems dry and undercooked, you can add 1/4-1/2 cup more toward the end of the pasta cooking step.
About the taco seasoning: I used a homemade taco seasoning mix that had ample salt, so no more salt was needed. If you don't have taco seasoning on hand, you can use 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked (or regular) paprika, and 1 teaspoon chili powder in this recipe. If you use a taco seasoning without salt, be sure to adjust seasoning if necessary.