Ingredients

  • salt
  • pepper
  • 1 lb whole grain penne, or regular if you prefer
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb ground sirloin
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 large jalapeno chile, halved, seeded if desired and thinly sliced crosswise
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 12 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 14 cup tomato paste
  • 12 ounces beer or 1 12 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
  • 2 small plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • 14 head iceberg lettuce

Method

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, ad the pasta and cook until al dente.
  • Drain and return to the pot.
  • While the pasta is working, in a large skillet, heat the oil, 1 turn of the pan, over medium-high heat.
  • Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Add 3/4 of the onions, the jalapeno, garlic, chili powder, coriander and cumin; season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook until the onion is soft, 6 to 7 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato paste for 1 minute, then stir in the beer.
  • Add the sauce to the pasta and toss.
  • Spoon into a serving dish, top with the cheese and tent with foil to melt the cheese, about 1 minute.
  • Top with the remaining onion, the tomatoes and lettuce- just like tacos!