Delicious and Quick Taco Pasta Recipe

Taco Pasta is a quick and tasty dinner made with pasta shells, ground beef, cheese, and spices. It's a favorite in my house, taking only 30 minutes to make! Top it with cheddar cheese, salsa, and tortilla chips for a family-friendly meal.

Why use a pre-packaged helper when you can make your own taco pasta from scratch? You control what goes into your family's dinner, choosing ground meat, cheese, pasta, and seasonings to suit your taste.

This dish is a hearty main course, filling, quick, and easy to make. I used ground beef with flavorful seasonings, herbs, salsa, sour cream, and cheese.

It's so simple and delicious, perfect for busy weeknights. Your family will love it, and preparing the shell pasta is probably the longest step.

Ideal for taco Tuesday, busy nights, potlucks, gatherings, and family occasions, this recipe offers variations:

• Use ground turkey or chicken for less fat.
• Enhance flavor with beef or chicken broth instead of water.
• Add tomato sauce for a tangy taste.
• Include fresh veggies like tomatoes, black beans, bell peppers, olives, or corn.
• Spice it up with green chilies, jalapenos, chili powder, or garlic.

FAQs:

How to cook pasta al dente? Follow the instructions on the pasta packaging. Use a large pot, add salt when boiling, and reserve starchy water for the sauce.

Can I use a different pasta shape? Yes, choose any pasta you like. Large shell pasta is recommended, but penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well. Whole wheat or gluten-free options are also suitable.

Is taco pasta healthy? Yes, with 25g protein, 162mg calcium, 3mg iron, and 445 IU vitamin A. It's low in saturated fat and sugar, with only 432 calories per serving.

How to make homemade taco seasoning? Combine cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, garlic powder, dried onion powder, oregano, and black pepper. Add cayenne for spice and store the mix in a spice jar for up to 6 months.

Leftover Tips:

• Store: Cool and store in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Freeze: Ensure the container is freezer-safe and use within two months.
• Thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat: On the stove or in the microwave for one minute.

 Delicious and Quick Taco Pasta Recipe

• Main Dish: Taco Pasta
• Cuisine: American, Mexican
• Keyword: Taco Pasta
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: 432 kcal

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound large shell pasta
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 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 shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Sour cream
• Chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta following the box directions, then drain and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it with a spoon until no longer pink.
3. Drain the excess fat, leaving only 1-2 tablespoons in the pan.
4. Add diced onion and minced garlic, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add taco seasoning, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add 3/4 cup of water, stir, and cook until the water is gone.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Also, add salsa and shredded cheese. Stir to combine.
7. Serve immediately, preferably with crunchy tortilla chips, sour cream, and additional cheese on top.