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Taco Pasta Recipe

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

This Taco Pasta Recipe is a quick, creamy, and family-friendly dish that brings the flavors of tacos to your dinner table 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 Choose rough-textured, yellow pasta for best results.
For the Filling
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Opt for 85/15 lean meat for less grease or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 tbsp Canola Oil Used for browning meat.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Adds natural sweetness to the dish.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic brings aroma and flavor.
For the Seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning Homemade is preferred, but store-bought works.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Adds earthy undertones.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce Infuses tangy flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste.
For the Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Water Can be substituted with beef broth.
  • 1 cup Jarred Salsa Choose preferred brand.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Freshly shredded for creamier texture.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Essential seasonings.
For the Garnishes
  • optional Garnishes Extra cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and chopped parsley.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the large shells pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sauté for 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and dried oregano. Pour in Worcestershire sauce and red pepper flakes. Gradually add water, stirring and simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  5. Fold in cooked pasta, jarred salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts and everything is well combined.
  6. Scoop into bowls and garnish with extra cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and parsley. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best results, prepare the meat mixture in advance and store separately from the pasta.

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