One-Pot Southwest Beef and Cavatappi
with Monterey Jack and Baby Spinach- Gluten
- Mustard
- Milk
This one-and-done dinner in a hurry packs beef, veggies and noodles into one easy bowl. What's even better? It's a meal that everyone is sure to devour!
Ingredients
250 g
Ground Beef
170 g
Cavatappi
(Contains: Gluten)
160 g
Sweet Bell Pepper
56 g
Yellow Onion
28 g
Baby Spinach
1 unit
Garlic, cloves
½ cup
Marinara Sauce
1 tbsp
Ginger-Garlic Puree
(Contains: Mustard)
½ cup
Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
(Contains: Milk)
1 unit
Beef Broth Concentrate
Not included in your delivery
½ tbsp
Oil*
0.56 tsp
Salt*
0.13 tsp
Pepper*
Nutrition facts
Utensils
Cooking Steps
Before starting, wash and dry all produce. Core, then cut pepper into 1/2-inch pieces. Peel, then cut half the onion into 1/2-inch pieces (whole onion for 4 ppl). Peel, then mince or grate garlic.
Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. When hot, add 1/2 tbsp oil (dbl for 4 ppl), then peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, 3-4 min. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer peppers to a plate. Set aside.
Reheat the same pot over medium-high. When hot, add beef and onions to the dry pot. Cook, breaking up beef into smaller pieces, until no pink remains, 4-5 min.** Carefully drain and discard excess fat, if desired.
Add Tex-Mex paste, garlic, marinara sauce, broth concentrate, 2 3/4 cups water (5 cups for 4 ppl) and 1/2 tsp salt (dbl for 4 ppl) to the pot with beef and onions. Stir to combine, then bring to boil over high. Once boiling, stir in cavatappi and reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered, stirring often to prevent sticking to the pot, until cavatappi is tender, 12-16 min. (TIP: If pasta is sticking too much, add more water, 1/4 cup at a time. Scrape up any pieces that are stuck to the bottom of the pot.)
Add peppers and spinach to the pot with cavatappi. Cook, stirring often, until spinach wilts, 1-2 min. Season with pepper, to taste.
Divide Southwest beef and cavatappi between bowls.Sprinkle cheese over top.
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on Aug 2026- Flavour: A comforting, hearty dish with a satisfying southwest kick that many families enjoy; some find it reminiscent of a grown-up hamburger helper.
- Ease of prep: Straightforward to make with minimal cleanup, though the pasta may need a few extra minutes beyond the suggested simmer time.
- Suggestions: Use half the Tex-Mex paste to reduce heat for younger kids, and add a dollop of sour cream to balance spice and richness. Consider adding corn or mushrooms for extra vegetables, and top with additional shredded cheese for a more generous finish.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully the next day, making it a reliable option for weekday lunches.
- Portions: The recipe yields generous portions, with several reviewers noting enough for multiple meals.
- Spice level: Many reviewers noted the Tex-Mex paste adds significant heat; starting with half a packet is a practical approach for families with young children.
