Cheesy & Hearty Prime Rib Southwest Pasta Skillet

There’s nothing quite like a meal that combines comfort, bold flavors, and a touch of indulgence. The Cheesy & Hearty Prime Rib Southwest Pasta Skillet is perfect for cozy evenings when you want to treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine tender slices of leftover prime rib mingling with perfectly cooked pasta, roasted peppers, and a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with Southwest spices. This dish is not only filling but also incredibly satisfying, making it a favorite for family dinners or even casual entertaining.

Inspired by the classic Southwest flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine and the tradition of making the most of leftover roast beef, this skillet brings everything together in one pan. It’s a recipe that celebrates hearty comfort food with a twist, combining the richness of prime rib with the bright, smoky notes of peppers and spices, all tied together by a luscious cheesy sauce.

Whether it’s a chilly winter night, a laid-back weekend dinner, or a post-holiday meal with leftover prime rib, this pasta skillet brings warmth, flavor, and simplicity to your table. Let’s dive into creating this crowd-pleasing dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 cups cooked prime rib, thinly sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Cook the peppers: Add the diced red, yellow, and green bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté until slightly tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes.

4. Add the prime rib: Stir in the thinly sliced prime rib and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it can become tough.

5. Season the mixture: Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to combine, letting the spices bloom for a minute.

6. Add the tomatoes and cream: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, followed by the heavy cream. Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

7. Incorporate the cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

8. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the cheesy sauce. Ensure every piece is fully covered with the creamy, spiced mixture.

9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips for the Perfect Southwest Pasta Skillet

• Use quality leftover prime rib: The dish shines when using tender, flavorful roast beef. Avoid reheating overly lean or dry cuts, as they may not remain juicy.

• Adjust the spice level: For a milder version, reduce the chili powder. If you love heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño.

• Customize the vegetables: You can swap in roasted zucchini, corn, or even black beans for extra color and texture.

• Cheese options: Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack work beautifully, but feel free to mix in pepper jack for extra Southwest flavor.

• Make it ahead: While best enjoyed fresh, this skillet can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and reheated gently on the stove.

Why This Dish Works

The Cheesy & Hearty Prime Rib Southwest Pasta Skillet hits all the right notes for a satisfying meal:

• Rich and creamy: The combination of cream and cheese creates a velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and beef.

• Bold and smoky: Smoked paprika and chili powder deliver the signature Southwest flavor without overwhelming the palate.

• Versatile: Perfect for using leftover prime rib, it transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, celebratory meal.

• One-pan convenience: With everything cooked in a single skillet, cleanup is a breeze, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

This dish embodies comfort food with a hint of adventure. The vibrant colors of the peppers, the melty cheese, and the tender beef create an irresistible plate that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

Pairing Suggestions

Enhance your Southwest pasta skillet experience with complementary sides and drinks:

• Fresh salad: A crisp garden salad with a lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.

• Garlic bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

• Roasted vegetables: Add a side of roasted broccoli or asparagus for extra nutrients and flavor.

• Beverage pairing: A sparkling water with lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea complements the savory and cheesy flavors beautifully.

Leftover-Friendly and Meal Prep Tips

This skillet is not just a dinner winner; it also shines as a meal prep favorite:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to maintain the creamy texture.

• Freezing: While cheese-heavy dishes can separate slightly when frozen, this skillet can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream to restore its richness.

• Portioning: Make individual portions for quick weekday lunches or dinners. Adding a few extra vegetables at this stage can boost fiber and nutrition.

Nutritional Highlights

While indulgent, this pasta skillet also offers nutritional benefits:

• Protein-packed: The prime rib provides high-quality protein, making this dish satisfying and sustaining.

• Vegetable-rich: Bell peppers and cherry tomatoes contribute vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.

• Calcium boost: The cheese and cream add calcium, supporting bone health.

• Balanced indulgence: Pairing with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables creates a meal that’s both hearty and balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe with other types of meat?
Absolutely. While prime rib adds luxurious flavor, leftover roast beef, steak strips, or even grilled chicken can be used. Adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking leaner meats.

2. What pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, or shell pasta hold the creamy sauce well. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair, as it can get lost in the sauce.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes. Swap prime rib for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or beans to maintain heartiness while keeping it vegetarian. Use vegetable stock to enhance the sauce if desired.

4. How can I make this creamier without adding too much cheese?
In addition to cheese, a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt stirred in at the end can create a rich texture without overloading the dish with extra calories.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back

This Cheesy & Hearty Prime Rib Southwest Pasta Skillet is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience. Every bite combines the comfort of creamy pasta, the boldness of Southwest spices, and the satisfying texture of tender beef. It’s easy to make yet impressively flavorful, perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or anytime you want a comforting, delicious meal without stress.

By using leftover prime rib, you’re also embracing a tradition of transforming ingredients into something extraordinary. This dish proves that even simple, leftover ingredients can be elevated to a show-stopping skillet full of flavor, color, and warmth.

Whether it’s your first time making it or your fifth, this skillet continues to impress. The combination of creamy cheese, smoky spices, tender beef, and vibrant vegetables makes every bite memorable. It’s a dish that feels both indulgent and approachable, bringing comfort and satisfaction to your table.

Final Thoughts

Cooking should always be a balance between creativity and comfort, and the Cheesy & Hearty Prime Rib Southwest Pasta Skillet perfectly embodies this philosophy. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to make for company. Using fresh vegetables, tender prime rib, and a rich, cheesy sauce ensures that every forkful is flavorful and satisfying.

This recipe invites experimentation: try different cheeses, adjust the spice level, or add more vegetables to suit your taste. It’s forgiving, versatile, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a dish that celebrates bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and the joy of comfort food done right.

Cheesy & Hearty Prime Rib Southwest Pasta Skillet

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

This hearty skillet combines tender leftover prime rib with colorful bell peppers, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting, flavorful meal. Perfect for cozy family dinners or using up leftover roast beef, it brings bold Southwest flavors to your table with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 2 cups cooked prime rib, thinly sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Add the diced red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Sauté until slightly tender but still crisp, about 4–5 minutes.

• Stir in the thinly sliced prime rib and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until heated through.

• Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to combine and let spices bloom for a minute.

• Add cherry tomatoes and heavy cream. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

• Gradually stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.

• Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use tender leftover prime rib for the best texture and flavor.

• Adjust chili powder for milder or spicier heat.

• Substitute or add vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or black beans for variety.

• Cheese options can be customized; pepper jack adds extra Southwest flavor.

• Can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently on the stove.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Michelle Davis