Ingredients

  • 375 g spaghetti or 375 g fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 375 g boneless beef grilling steak, cut into thin strips
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 12 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 cups milk
  • 12 cup salsa
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup corn kernel, thawed if frozen
  • 12 cup kidney beans or 12 cup black beans, canned, drained, rinsed
  • salt
  • 12 cup Canadian cheddar cheese or 12 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
  • light sour cream (optional)
  • fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Method

  • In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until tender, but firm.
  • Drain.
  • Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medum-high heat.
  • Add onion and saute for about 3 minutes or until starting to soften.
  • Add beef and saute for 3 minutes or until starting to brown.
  • Whisk flour, chili powder and cumin into milk; pour into skillet and cook stirring for about 5 minutes or until bubbling and thickened.
  • Stir in salsa, tomato paste, corn and beans until heated through.
  • Season to taste with salt.
  • To serve, on each plate, build the haystack; pile the pasta in the center and spoon beeef mixture on top.
  • Sprinkle with cheese and a dollop of sour cream and cilantro (if using).