Cheesy Tex Mex Pasta Bake
with Peppers and Spinach- Gluten
- Milk
This hearty beef and pasta bake is inspired by the Midwest classic Chili Mac and Cheese. A satisfying one-and-done dinner for the whole family!
Ingredients
250 g
Ground Beef
160 g
Sweet Bell Pepper
56 g
Baby Spinach
170 g
Cavatappi
(Contains: Gluten)
370 mL
Crushed Tomatoes
2 tbsp
Mexican Seasoning
½ cup
Cheddar Cheese, shredded
(Contains: Milk)
3 tbsp
Sour Cream
(Contains: Milk)
Not included in your delivery
1 tbsp
Oil*
2 tsp
Salt*
¼ tsp
Salt and Pepper*
Nutrition Values
Utensils
Cooking Steps
Before starting, preheat broiler to high. Wash and dry all produce.
Add 10 cups water and 2 tsp salt to a large pot. (NOTE: Use same for 4 ppl.) Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. While the water comes to a boil, core, then cut pepper into 1/2-inch pieces.
Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add 1 tbsp oil (dbl for 4 ppl), then peppers. Cook, stirring often, until tender-crisp, 3-4 min. Remove pan from the heat, then transfer peppers to a plate.
While veggies cook, add cavatappi to the pot of boiling water. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 9-10 min. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water (dbl for 4 ppl), drain and return to the same pot off heat. Set aside.
Heat the same pan (from step 2) over medium heat. When hot, add 1/2 tbsp oil (dbl for 4 ppl), then beef. Cook, breaking up beef into smaller pieces, until no pink remains, 4-5 min.** Add Mexican seasoning. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, 1 min.
Add diced tomatoes to pan with beef. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until sauce thickens slightly, 7-8 min. Add beef mixture, spinach, peppers and reserved pasta water to pot with cavatappi. Stir to combine and season with pepper.
Transfer cavatappi and beef mixture to a lightly-oiled 8x8-inch baking dish. (NOTE: Use a 9x13-inch baking dish for 4 ppl.) Sprinkle cheese over top, then broil in the middle of the oven, until cheese melts, 3-4 min. Divide beef and pasta bake between plates. Dollop sour cream over top.
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on Feb 2026- Flavor: Many found it tasty, but some felt it needed more seasoning or spice for a bolder Mexican flavor.
- Ease of prep: Quick and simple to make, great for busy nights; several mentioned it was easy enough for kids to help prepare.
- Suggestions: Consider adding onions, garlic, or extra cheese throughout for more flavor; some recommend chopping the spinach finely.
- Leftovers: Generous portions often provided lunch the next day; some noted it reheated well and tasted even better.
- Family-friendly: Many kids enjoyed it, even those usually picky about vegetables; great for getting spinach into children's diets.
