Taco Skillet

Creating a Taco Skillet with Buckwheat Rotini offers a delicious twist on traditional taco flavors. Here's how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces buckwheat rotini pasta
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, salsa

Instructions:

1. Cook Buckwheat Rotini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the buckwheat rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

3. Add Aromatics and Veggies: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.

4. Season: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and release their flavors.

5. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

6. Add Buckwheat Rotini: Add the cooked buckwheat rotini pasta to the skillet with the taco meat mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

7. Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the taco skillet hot, garnished with optional toppings such as chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa.

9. Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your delicious Taco Skillet with Buckwheat Rotini! It's a hearty and flavorful meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

This recipe serves about 4-6 people. Adjust the ingredients accordingly based on your serving size.