Introduction
This delicious and hearty pasta dish combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting texture of pasta. With ground beef, spices, and melted cheese, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process quick and easy, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal in no time.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef
½ medium sweet onion, diced
1 small poblano pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 ½ teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 cups beef stock
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup mild salsa, homemade or store-bought
12 ounces medium pasta shells
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
6 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 ½ cups)
½ cup heavy cream
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that will leave everyone wanting seconds. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a comforting meal that brings a taste of Mexico to your dinner table.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to the high sauté setting. Heat the olive oil, then add the ground beef. Cook the beef until browned, which should take about 3-5 minutes. While cooking, break the beef apart with a spoon or spatula. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pot.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the diced onion and diced poblano pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Cook until the spices are fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the beef stock, tomato sauce, salsa, and medium pasta shells into the pot. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Select the manual setting on the Instant Pot, adjust the pressure to high, and set the timer for 5 minutes. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheese and Cream
After releasing the pressure, stir in the shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Finally, mix in the chopped fresh cilantro leaves for added flavor.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the dish immediately while hot. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional vegetables, such as diced tomatoes or corn, or by using different types of cheese based on your preference.
Spice Level
If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding sliced jalapeños or using a hot salsa instead of mild salsa. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, the ground beef is sautéed with olive oil until browned, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Dicing
Dicing is the process of cutting ingredients into small, uniform pieces. This technique is used for the sweet onion and poblano pepper to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors in the dish.
Minced Garlic
Minced garlic adds a strong flavor to dishes. It is cut into very small pieces, which increases the surface area, allowing for a more potent aroma and taste when sautéed.
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking involves cooking food in a sealed pot where the pressure builds up, raising the boiling point of water and cooking food faster. The Instant Pot is set to high pressure to cook pasta shells and meld flavors.
Cheese Melting
Melting cheese requires gentle heat to avoid clumping or burning. Shredded extra-sharp cheddar is stirred in at the end of cooking to create a creamy texture without overpowering the dish.
Fresh Herbs
Chopping fresh herbs, such as cilantro, at the end of cooking preserves their flavor and vibrant color. They are added just before serving to enhance the dish’s freshness.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
What can I use instead of poblano pepper?
If you can’t find poblano pepper, you can substitute it with a green bell pepper or anaheim pepper, though the heat level may vary.
How do I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of chili powder used or select a milder salsa. Adding more spice can also be achieved by incorporating chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time. Store the cooked dish in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat before serving.
Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta shells as an alternative to regular pasta. Be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of gluten-free pasta used.
Conclusion
This delicious and hearty pasta dish combines the richness of ground beef, the warmth of spices, and the creamy texture of cheese, making it a perfect comfort food. The incorporation of fresh ingredients like poblanos and cilantro adds depth to the flavors, while the use of an Instant Pot ensures a quick and easy cooking process. Enjoy this meal as a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Tex-Mex Chili Mac
Combine the same ingredients but add black beans and corn for a hearty, Tex-Mex twist.
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
Use the ground beef mixture to fill tortillas, top with enchilada sauce, extra cheese, and bake until bubbly.
Pasta Salad with Ground Beef
Double the spices and mix the cooked beef with pasta shells, diced tomatoes, peppers, and a dressing for a chilled pasta salad option.
Beef and Poblano Stuffed Peppers
Use the mixture to stuff halved poblano peppers, top with shredded cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Savory Beef Tacos
Serve the seasoned ground beef in taco shells with fresh cilantro, diced onions, salsa, and avocado for a fun taco night.
