Tex-Mex Cavatappi Recipe

Name: Tex-Mex Cavatappi
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons cooking oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper; 2 cups (one 16-ounce jar) chunky tomato salsa; 3/4 pound cavatappi; 2 teaspoons lime juice or red-wine vinegar; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley; 6 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups); Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Servings: persons

2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 pound ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
2 cups (one 16-ounce jar) chunky tomato salsa
3/4 pound cavatappi
2 teaspoons lime juice or red-wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley
6 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
Lime wedges for serving (optional)

1
In a large frying pan, heat the oil over moderately high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the salsa and simmer over low heat to allow the flavors to combine, about 10 minutes.
2
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the cavatappi until just done, about 13 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce, lime juice, cilantro, and 1 cup of the cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and serve with wedges of lime if you like.
3
Salsa Selection: There are several brands of salsa on the market today. Choose according to your taste (mild, medium, or hot) and pick one of high quality; the finished dish will only be as good as your salsa. A smoked-chile variety would be a delicious possibility to try.
4
Wine Recommendation: The spiciness of the salsa and chili powder combined with the acidity of the lime make a very high-acid white wine an obvious choice. We favor a sauvignon blanc from California.

551

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

No additional tips available.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 tablespoons cooking oil, 1 pound ground beef, 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and more.

Yes, Tex-Mex Cavatappi falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Tex-Mex Cavatappi

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions