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Taco Pasta Recipe

Taco Pasta Recipe: Quick, Cheesy Comfort for Busy Nights

Taco Pasta Recipe is a quick, cheesy dish that brings families together, ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Large Shells Pasta Use rough-textured pasta for ideal blending.
For the Beef Mixture
  • 1 lb Ground Beef 85/15 lean meat recommended.
  • 1 tbsp Canola Oil For browning the meat.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
For the Flavoring
  • 1 pkg Taco Seasoning Homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust according to spice preference.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Water Substitute with beef broth for flavor.
  • 1 cup Jarred Salsa Choose your favorite type.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Freshly shredded is recommended.
For Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Garnishing
  • to taste Garnishes Additional cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and chopped parsley.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • colander
  • spatula

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add large shells pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente, then drain.
  2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, heat canola oil. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart, for 5–7 minutes until evenly browned.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and garlic to skillet, sauté for 1–2 minutes until onion is translucent.
  4. Season and Simmer: Stir in taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Add water and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Fold cooked pasta into beef mixture, followed by salsa and cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Spoon into bowls and top with garnishes like cheese, tortilla chips, and sour cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Customize with your choice of meat and adjust spiciness according to preference. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

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