Pasta With Spicy Black Bean Sauce
A hearty pasta dish featuring a spicy black bean sauce, seasoned with chili and cumin, topped with browned hamburger and cheese, perfect for a flavorful family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can undrained stewed tomatoes, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 c. picante sauce
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed dried oregano ⓘ
- 4 c. hot, cooked macaroni shells or rotini ⓘ
- 14 oz. spaghetti, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 c. margarine, melted ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 lb. hamburger, browned and drained ⓘ
- 2 c. spaghetti sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti and set aside.
- Melt margarine in a saucepan; cool slightly and stir in the egg.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with the margarine mixture in the saucepan and mix well.
- Arrange the spaghetti over the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Crumble browned hamburger over the spaghetti.
- Top with the black bean sauce mixture.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top.
- Bake until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, substitute the hamburger with crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the black bean sauce. This dish is versatile, so feel free to mix in vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of guacamole tomato salad for a refreshing contrast, or pair it with a simple green salad. You could also complement it with tortilla chips and Bret's Dip for a delightful appetizer. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top before serving adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Spicy Black Bean Sauce contains roughly 1763 calories, with 28g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (83% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2309mg per serving (100% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the black bean sauce and assemble the dish a day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and bake it when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier.
What type of cheese should I use?
You can use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for topping. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using reduced-fat cheese. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the spices in the black bean sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).