Description
Indulgent Cheesy Taco Pasta brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with zesty spices and melted cheese. Packed with ground beef, peppers, and a creamy sauce, this quick one-pot meal promises delicious satisfaction for hungry families craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound large pasta shells
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Additional Ingredients and Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Sour cream
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown ground beef completely, breaking into small crumbles.
- Remove excess grease, leaving a thin layer for sautéing.
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic for 60 seconds until aromatic.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Pour water and simmer until liquid reduces by half.
- Fold cooked pasta into the seasoned meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine.
- Incorporate salsa and cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce.
- Transfer to serving dishes, topping with additional shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, dollop of sour cream, and fresh parsley for garnish.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
- Experiment with alternative proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary preferences.
- Toast the taco seasoning briefly in the pan before adding other ingredients to enhance the spice blend’s depth and aroma.
- For a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta to increase protein and accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg