Taco Pasta Recipe
Taco Pasta is a delightful fusion dish that combines the zesty flavors of a classic taco with the comforting texture of pasta. This easy one-pan recipe features ground beef seasoned with taco spices, tender pasta cooked right in the sauce, and a melty cheese topping, making it a perfect quick and satisfying meal for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Meat
- 3 cups small shell pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or extra lean)
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
Liquids and Cheese
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Pan: Place a large frying pan on medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the meat.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the hot pan and stir frequently until it is no longer pink, ensuring even cooking. Once cooked, drain the excess fat from the pan to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and optional minced garlic to the beef. Fry this mixture for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant, building layers of flavor.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the tomato sauce, taco seasoning, water, and pasta shells. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Loosely cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Let the mixture cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce flavors.
- Add Cheese and Cilantro: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Add optional fresh chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve: Dish out the taco pasta immediately and enjoy this flavorful, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Adjust the taco seasoning amount based on preferred spice level.
- If the pasta absorbs the liquid too quickly before cooking through, add a splash more water as needed.
- Cheese type can be varied—pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while mozzarella offers a creamy melt.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: taco pasta, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef pasta, Tex-Mex pasta, one pan meal
Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/taco-pasta-recipe/
