Tex Mex Pasta

This dish is packed with flavor. This has just a handful of ingredients that you can change up to your families spice level and add more veggies   Perhaps some bell peppers, change up the cheese to various combinations, cheddar,  Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend as I have used…change the salsa to a green salsa , so many possibilities with the dish! We really enjoyed it and I loved that is was quick and easy after a long day at work!!!

INGREDIENTS
12 ounces spiral pasta
1 pound ground beef or hot Jimmy Dean sausage
1 cup chopped onion
1 (16 ounce ) jar salsa
4 cups Mexican cheese blend
2 Roma tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 jalapeño sliced, optional
1/4 cup cilantro optional ( I left this out as Mr. MCYM does not like it)

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a three quart baking dish. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. While the pasta is cooking heat a large skillet over medium heat add your ground meat and onion breaking up the meat as you cook. Cook until meat is browned and onions are tender, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in your salsa and tomatoes.  Combine well.  Add your beef and salsa mixture to the pasta. Combine well and pour into your prepared baking dish. Top with cheese and bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly. Serve warm with a side salad and a crusty bread.

Enjoy,