Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups Wagon Wheel Pasta, uncooked
• 2 Tbs Vegetable Oil
• 8 oz Fresh White Mushrooms, quartered
• 1/2 tsp Garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Green Onions (scallions), sliced
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 8 oz Lean Ground Beef
• 1 can (19-1/2 oz.) Black Beans, rinsed
• 1 jar (11-1/2 oz.) Chunky Salsa
• 1 1/2 cups Hot pepper Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded, divided
• 1/4 cup Tortilla Chips, crushed

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain; rinse under warm water; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat vegetable oil until hot. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in green onions, salt, and pepper; heat until hot, about 1 minute.
3. Add beef; cook until brown, stirring occasionally to crumble beef, about 5 minutes. Stir in black beans, salsa, and 1 cup of the cheese; cook, stirring frequently, about 1 minute; remove from heat. Stir in reserved pasta.
4. Spoon into a 9″ square baking pan; sprinkle with tortilla chips and the remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
5. Bake uncovered until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
6. Serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious Wagon Wheel Pasta Bake!

Here are some variations of the Wagon Wheel Pasta Bake recipe:

1. VEGETARIAN VERSION:

• Replace the lean ground beef with your favorite meat alternative, such as plant-based crumbles or diced tofu.
• Add more vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to enhance the flavors and textures.

2. CHICKEN AND BACON PASTA BAKE:

• Substitute the ground beef with cooked, diced chicken breast or rotisserie chicken.
• Add cooked and crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor.

3. MEXICAN-STYLE PASTA BAKE:

• Use a Mexican-blend cheese instead of hot pepper Monterey Jack for a spicier kick.
• Add corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chopped cilantro for a Southwestern twist.

4. ITALIAN-INSPIRED PASTA BAKE:

• Replace the hot pepper Monterey Jack with shredded mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Incorporate Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a savory flavor.
• Mix in some sliced black olives and sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of taste.

5. CREAMY PASTA BAKE:

• Add a can of condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup to the beef and mushroom mixture for a creamier texture.
• Top the casserole with crushed buttery crackers instead of tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.

6. SPINACH AND ARTICHOKE PASTA BAKE:

• Incorporate cooked spinach and artichoke hearts to the beef and mushroom mixture for a delicious Mediterranean flavor.
• Use a combination of grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for a gooey, cheesy topping.

7. SEAFOOD PASTA BAKE:

• Replace the beef with cooked shrimp, scallops, or a mix of seafood.
• Create a seafood Alfredo sauce using heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic instead of salsa.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon zest for a burst of freshness.

8. PESTO PASTA BAKE:

• Mix the cooked pasta with your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto sauce for a burst of herby flavor.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts to the mixture for extra texture and taste.