Gather your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.
Prepare the Ingredients
Using a Chef's knife and cutting board, chop the sweet onion and green bell pepper.
Place the whole tomatoes in a large bowl and crush them by hand into small pieces.
Slice the processed cheese into small cubes.
Cook the Meat and Vegetables
In a large skillet or cast iron braiser, brown the ground burger on medium low heat. Once browned, add in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Saute until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion salt. Cook for another 2 minutes so that everything is well seasoned.
Add the Pasta
Add the crushed tomatoes to the cooked ground beef, along with the cavatappi. Pour in the water, beginning with 1 1/2 cups and adding the rest as needed. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Bring to a boil, and then reduce to low. Cover and allow to simmer for 12-15 minutes until the cavatappi is tender, stirring often.
Remove from heat and add chunks of processed cheese to the dish. Stir to combine. Cover once more with the lid and allow the cheese to melt. After 7-10 minutes, stir in the melted cheese, mixing well to combine.