Instructions

1. Set instant pot to sauté mode and add the ground beef, minced garlic and spices to the pot. Brown until the spices are incorporated and the ground beef is broken up and and almost cooked through (doesn’t need to be completely cooked, a little pink left is just fine)
2. Add in the diced onions and bell peppers and cook for an additional 2 minutes just until softened. Turn the instant pot off sauté mode
3. Add the penne noodles over the meat and vegetables in an even layer, do not stir. Then add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chiles and water. Do not stir, but use the back of your spoon or spatula to smooth it into an even layer covering the noodles
4. Place the lid on the instant pot and cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. Once done, do a quick release. Stir in the cheese and let it sit a minute or two to melt. You can add in an additional ¼ cup water if you want a thinner sauce
5. Serve and garnish with optional toppings

Stovetop Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to the instructions on the box.
2. In a large pan, sauté and brown ground beef until almost cooked through.  Add in onion and bell pepper and cook until tender.  Stir in garlic and seasonings. 
3. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, water, and tomato sauce.
4. When pasta is finished cooking, drain well and add to meat and veggie mixture.  Stir in cheese and mix until it’s all melted.
5. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!