Smoky and Spicy Chile with Pasta

By lwhetstone

A hearty beef, tomato, and bacon spiced chile sauce on top of pasta.

Ingredients

• 5 pieces bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped,
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3/4 tsp chipotle powder
• 1 can green chiles
• 1 can tomato sauce or chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded spicy cheese, such as habanero cheddar, or Pepper Jack
• 1 handful chopped cilantro
• 3-4 green onions, chopped
• 1 lb pasta of choice

Details

Servings 4
Adapted from laura-realgoodfood.blogspot.com

Preparation

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water to cook the pasta and bring to a boil.
While the pasta water is heating up, cook the bacon in a large pot until crisp. Reserve on paper towels. Drain all but about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease out of the pot. Add in the onion and garlic, cook until softened. Add in the beef and chipotle powder, cook, and drain some of the fat off. (Unless you like to live dangerously).
Add in the green chiles. I think you could also add some bell pepper in here too, or some black beans.
Add in the can of tomato sauce or chopped tomatoes, a handful of shredded cheese and the bacon.
Once the pasta is done, drain it. Serve in bowls with the chile beef mixture on top, topped with some more cheese, cilantro, and green onion.