Susan's Beefy Taco Pasta

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 (1 1/4 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, minced
• 2 cups chunky salsa
• 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans, drained
• crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• salt
• pepper
• 1 cup 2% mexican cheese blend
• 1 (8 ounce) can sliced ripe olives (optional)
• 2 fresh jalapeno peppers, minced (optional)

Recipe

• 1 bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• 2 in a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef and drain. add garlic, onion and crushed red peppers and saute until translucent and aromatic.
• 3 add taco seasoning and mix well.
• 4 add salsa and beans, olives and jalapeno's and warm through.
• 5 season with salt and pepper and sprinkle on cilantro.
• 6 combine all in large pot. serve and add cheese to each individual bowl.