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Taco Pasta Recipe

Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe: Quick, Creamy, and Family-Friendly

This Taco Pasta recipe offers a quick and creamy meal solution for busy evenings, packed with flavor and family-friendly ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Large Shells Pasta Choose yellow, rough-textured varieties for best results.
For the Meat Base
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Opt for 85/15 lean for a healthier option.
  • 1 tbsp Canola Oil Essential for browning the meat.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Adds natural sweetness.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced for best flavor.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning Homemade for added freshness is recommended.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Water or Beef Broth Beef broth enhances flavor.
  • 1 cup Jarred Salsa Pick your favorite brand for authenticity.
For the Creaminess
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Fresh-shredded for best melting.
  • to taste Salt Essential for balancing flavors.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for balancing flavors.
For the Garnish
  • Garnishes Additional cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, fresh parsley.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the large shells pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add chopped yellow onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  4. Sprinkle in taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour in water or beef broth and stir. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Fold in cooked pasta into the skillet with the meat mixture. Add jarred salsa and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
  6. Spoon the Cheesy Taco Pasta into bowls. Top with cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Cook large shells until al dente for best texture. Use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting. Customize spice levels with red pepper flakes and consider prepping sauce in advance for quicker dinners.

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