Taco Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Taco Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and cheesy with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 cups small shell pasta
- 1 pound ground beef, lean or extra lean
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, optional
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese, cheddar or mozzarella
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a large frying pan on medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add ground beef and stir until it is no longer pink. Drain fat from the pan.
- Step 3: Add onions and optional garlic to the beef. Fry for 2-3 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Step 4: Stir in the tomato sauce, taco seasoning, water, and pasta.
- Step 5: Loosely cover the pan, reduce heat to medium. Cook for 5-10 minutes until the pasta is done, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in cheese and optional fresh cilantro. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of chili flakes before serving.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Swap small shell pasta for elbow macaroni or rotini if preferred.
- Add diced bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.
Is it necessary to drain the fat from the beef?
Draining the fat helps reduce greasiness but you can leave some if you prefer a richer flavor. Just avoid excess fat for the best texture.
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Taco Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Taco Pasta recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pan dish combining taco-seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it brings together Mexican-inspired spices with comforting pasta for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups small shell pasta
- 1 pound ground beef, lean or extra lean
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese, cheddar or mozzarella
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Place a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and stir frequently until it is no longer pink. Drain the fat from the pan to reduce excess grease.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and the optional minced garlic to the beef. Fry them together for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and water to the pan along with the dry pasta. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Pasta: Loosely cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to medium, and let the mixture cook for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. Continue until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Finish with Cheese and Cilantro: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Optionally, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Taco Pasta!
Notes
- Use lean or extra lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra taco seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute small shell pasta with any other small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or rotini.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat substitute or cooked lentils.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on stovetop or microwave.
- Add a side of sour cream or salsa for additional flavor variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: Taco Pasta, Ground Beef Pasta, Easy Dinner, One Pan Meal, Mexican Inspired Pasta
