One Pot Mexicali Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Alright, let’s tuck into the ultimate comfort dish that marries the zest of classic Mexican flavors with the cozy appeal of a pasta night. This One Pot Mexicali Bowtie Pasta is my go-to when I’m craving something hearty without making a total mess in the kitchen—trust me, it’s a dinner winner!

Enjoy a tasty mexicali experience with my Bowtie Pasta, a short-layered pasta that seems to spring from the bow of a ship. Not that you would be eating pasta on a ship.

Unless you were in the harbor of a town like Cabo San Lucas, where delicious fusions of Italian and Mexican flavors abound. In any case, this pasta dish is easy to make and a one-pot meal.

But it’s also something that pleases meat lovers and abounds with protein and fiber.

One Pot Mexicali Bowtie Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Ground beef or turkey: Rich in protein, adds hearty flavor.
• Bell pepper: Provides crunch, vitamins, and a touch of sweetness.
• Black beans: High in fiber and protein, great for heart health.
• Corn: Adds sweetness and texture with vitamins and antioxidants.
• Bowtie pasta: Source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds creaminess, calcium, and protein.

One Pot Mexicali Bowtie Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 cups uncooked bowtie pasta
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving

How to Make this One Pot Mexicali Bowtie Pasta Recipe

1. In a big pot, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Throw in the ground beef or turkey and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

2. Include the minced garlic and diced onion in the saucepan. Sauté until soft in a mixture that has just came to a simmer, about 3-4 minutes.

3. Add the diced bell pepper, taco seasoning, and cumin powder. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the pepper begins to soften. Then, proceed with the rest of the instructions.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Combine all ingredients and mix well.

5. Add the raw farfalle to the pot.

6. Add the chicken or vegetable broth. Turn up the heat and bring the pot to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer.

7. Put the lid on the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

8. Take off the lid and mix in the grated cheddar cheese until it is melted and thoroughly blended with the pasta.

9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, tasting to determine if adjustments are necessary.

10. Chopped fresh cilantro makes a great garnish, and we enjoy serving lime wedges with our One Pot Mexicali Bowtie Pasta.

One Pot Mexicali Bowtie Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot with lid
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Can opener
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Grater

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Certainly, any small or medium-sized pasta can stand in for bowtie pasta; for example, penne, rotini, or said in another way, a medium-sized elbow macaroni.
• How can I make this dish vegetarian?Omitting the ground meat entirely makes the recipe as a whole more friendly to vegetarians, and using beans, in greater quantities, also makes it much more favorable. It has a very bean-centric orientation, and the flavor and substance that the beans provide are make-or-break factors for the success of the recipe.
• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?You can use fresh tomatoes, too. A substitute of roughly 1 3/4 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes works well.
• Is there a substitute for taco seasoning?A homemade seasoning mix can be made with chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
• How do I store and reheat leftovers?Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days tops. Reheat in either a stovetop pan or microwave to bring food back to a piping hot state.
• Can I add more vegetables?Definitely! Think about throwing in some zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and taste.

One Pot Mexicali Bowtie Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Beef or turkey: Substitute with ground chicken or a plant-based meat alternative.
Poblano pepper or zucchini deliver a different flavor from bell pepper.
Taco seasoning can be replaced with equal parts of chili powder, paprika, and onion powder.
Diced tomatoes in a can: Use fresh diced tomatoes or canned tomato sauce.
Black beans: Pinto beans or kidney beans make good substitutes.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor Depth Before adding the ground beef or turkey, consider caramelizing the onions for a few extra minutes until they reach a golden brown color. This adds a deeper, sweeter flavor to the dish.

2. Spice Blooming Toast the taco seasoning and cumin powder in the pot for about 30 seconds before adding the bell pepper. This will help release their essential oils and amplify their flavors.

3. Cheese Integration To ensure the cheese melts smoothly and evenly, let it come to room temperature before adding it to the pot. Stir slowly on low heat to avoid clumping.

4. Pasta Texture Check the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time ends. If it’s nearly done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes to finish cooking in the residual heat. This prevents overcooking.

5. Serving Suggestion Warm the lime wedges in a dry skillet for a minute before serving. This makes them juicier and enhances the citrus aroma, adding a fresh zing to your dish.