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Taco Pasta Recipe

Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe: Quick, Cozy Family Favorite

This Taco Pasta Recipe is a quick and easy meal perfect for family dinners, 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 ounces Large Shells Pasta Rough-textured for better flavor absorption.
For the Meat Base
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Lean 85/15 preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon Canola Oil To prevent sticking.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Chopped.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
For the Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust for spice preference.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Water or Beef Broth Beef broth preferred for extra flavor.
  • 1 cup Jarred Salsa Use your favorite brand.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded fresh preferred.
To Finish
  • to taste Salt and Pepper For balancing flavors.
  • to taste Garnishes Tortilla chips, sour cream, or fresh parsley.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the large shells pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until onion is translucent.
  4. Season and Simmer: Add taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir in water or beef broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Incorporate the cooked pasta, jarred salsa, and cheddar cheese into the skillet, stirring for about 2 minutes.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Spoon into bowls and garnish with cheese, tortilla chips, sour cream, and parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Always use freshly shredded cheese for optimal melting. Customize spiciness with red pepper flakes or fresh veggies.

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