Southwestern Pasta

Ingredients:

• 13.5 oz. of rotini (or any pasta you like)
• 2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 medium green bell pepper cut into thin strips
• 1/2 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 15 oz. can Rotel canned tomatoes and chilies (or just diced tomatoes) 
• 1/4 cup taco seasoning (roughly one standard packet)
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese, plus more for topping (Optional)

Preparations:

1. Add all but the last three ingredients (beans, lime, and cheese) to a large pot. Stir, cover, and bring to a rolling boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. There should still be some liquid in the bottom of the pot when the pasta is cooked.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in the black beans, lime juice, and cheese. Let it rest for 5 minutes to warm the beans, melt the cheese, and absorb the excess liquid.

Enchilada Pasta (Homemade Hamburger Helper)

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 of a small onion, diced
• 0.75 pounds of fake meat crumbles
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 2 10 oz cans of red enchilada sauce
• 8 oz of dried rotini pasta
• 1 cups of shredded cheese, plus more for serving

Preparations:

1. In a large skillet or saute pan, saute onions in olive oil over medium low heat until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add crumbles, corn, broth, taco seasoning, and enchilada sauce to pan and bring to a boil.
3. Add pasta, then reduced heat to low and cover. Cook on low, with pan covered for about 15 minutes.
4. Remove lid and let simmer for additional 5 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce has reduced.
5. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheese.
6. Serve with additional cheese.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

• 2 Sweet Potatoes
• 1 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
• 1 Tsp Cayenne
• 2 Tbsp Canola Oil

Preparations:

1. Peel the sweet potatoes and chop into french fries, 1/8" x 1/4" x length of your choice.
2. Place in plastic bag. Pour in canola oil, seal, and shake.
3. Add seasoning to bag, seal, and shake.
4. Spread onto two cookie sheets, place in 350 F oven for 15 minutes.
5. Flip and cook for another 20 minutes at 400 F.

Cook Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4