Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meal that will satisfy your taco cravings? Look no further than this amazing Taco Pasta recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with flavor: The combination of savory ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and gooey melted cheese creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
- Quick and simple prep: With just a few basic ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This Taco Pasta is great for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
Ingredient Notes:
- Large shells pasta: Provides a sturdy base for the hearty meat and cheese mixture.
- Canola oil: Used for cooking the ground beef and onions, but you can also use olive oil for a different flavor.
- Ground beef: Adds protein and richness to the dish, but you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Yellow onion and garlic: Add depth of flavor and aroma to the dish.
- Taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes: Infuse the pasta with delicious Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Water and jarred salsa: Create a saucy base for the pasta.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a cheesy finish to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: To season to taste.
- Garnishes: Cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and chopped parsley for added texture and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Add water and salsa, then simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and chopped parsley.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Customize the toppings to your liking with avocado slices, diced tomatoes, or sliced olives.
- To make it vegetarian, swap the ground beef for black beans or meatless crumbles.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality taco seasoning for authentic flavor.
- Allow the pasta to soak up the sauce for a few minutes before serving for maximum flavor.
- Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Taco Pasta with a side of Mexican rice, a crisp green salad, or a refreshing agua fresca for a complete meal. Don’t forget the margaritas for a festive touch!
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat leftovers, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir well before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- How spicy is this dish? You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce to taste.
- Can I freeze this Taco Pasta? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion:
Now that you have the recipe for the BEST Taco Pasta, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal with your loved ones. Don’t forget to share your feedback and any creative twists you try with this versatile dish!
Print
The BEST Taco Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
The BEST Taco Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish combining the best of tacos and pasta in one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound large shells pasta
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Cheese
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Sour cream
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a pot of water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat oil and cook ground beef until browned. Add onion, garlic, taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Cook until onions are soft.
- Add Sauce: Stir in water and salsa. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding your favorite taco toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, or jalapenos.
- Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: Estimated 400 kcal
- Sugar: Estimated 4 g
- Sodium: Estimated 600 mg
- Fat: Estimated 20 g
- Saturated Fat: Estimated 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimated 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Estimated 30 g
- Fiber: Estimated 2 g
- Protein: Estimated 25 g
- Cholesterol: Estimated 80 mg