Seasoned to perfection with a proprietary blend of ground beef and a handful of spices, this is a must have main dish for your family, in seasons and out seasons.
Bound to please the most demanding of taste-buds, this dish is easy and delicious that it will quickly become the top listed in your kitchen to-cook list. Once you make it, the whole family will love it! Preparing the shell pasta might actually be the longest thing that you will do to cook this dish.
pasta shells
This recipe offers an excellent favor and consistency and is perfect for potlucks, gatherings, and any family occasion. It will surely be something to crave about! This meal is perfect for when you are in a hurry, it is hearty and satisfying, and also budget-friendly.
Did you know Taco pasta even fits vegetarians needs? To make our taco pasta recipe vegetarian, leave out the meat and use black beans or some other kind of beans instead for protein. You can also add chickpeas or tofu to make it heartier. With that said, everyone will be taken care of because you can’t simply miss this great food of the gods!
Served Taco pasta
Imagine greatness before you, imagine fulfillment in the cheapest way possible. This presentation is what comes to your mind. Want to surprise your hubby or a visitor or even your kids, with a new style of taste? Look no further than preparing this out-of-the world Taco pasta dish and believe it, you’ll come gasping for more of this delicacy.
Taco pasta made with pasta shells, ground beef, cheese, and a handful of spices and seasonings so you get an absolutely delicious dinner in minutes!
Prep Time15mins
Cook Time15mins
Total Time30mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: recipe, Taco pasta
Servings: 8people
Calories: 432kcal
Author: daisol plate
Ingredients
½poundLarge Pasta shells
1tbsp.canola oil
1poundLean ground beef
1Yellow onion (Diced)
4Garlic cloves (Minced)
2tbsp.Taco seasoning (Store-bought)
½Dried oregano
1tbsp.Worcestershire sauce
1tbsp.Red pepper flakes
¾cupWater: You can also use chicken or beef broth.
1cup (jarred)Salsa:Â Store-bought is fine.
1½cupsCheddar cheese: Shredded.
Kosher salt:Â To taste.
Black pepper:Â To taste.
Garnish:
Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese of any kind.
Crushed tortilla chips
Sour cream
Chopped Parsley
Instructions
Cook pasta shells:Â First, cook the pasta shells according to the instructions on the package for pasta al dente and set them aside.
Cook the beef:Â Meanwhile, add oil to a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. After it sizzles, add the ground beef, and cook until it is no longer pink inside, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain grease or fat, leaving only 1-2 tablespoons in the pan.
Add the seasonings:Â Next, turn it down to medium heat before you add the onion and garlic.
Cook:Â Cook for one minute before adding the kosher salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, and taco seasoning. Pour in 3/4 cup water and continue to cook and stir until the water is absorbed.
Combine pasta:Â After, add the pasta into the pan before adding the shredded cheese and salsa. Stir well.
Serve taco pasta:Â Serve immediately, preferably with crunchy tortilla chips, sour cream, and more cheese on top.
Recipe Variations
Ground turkey:Â For less fat, use ground turkey instead of ground beef.
Ground chicken:Â You could also use ground chicken for less fat and calories.
Beef broth:Â You can give your taco pasta even more flavor by using beef broth or chicken broth instead of water.
Tomato sauce:Â Similarly, add some tomato sauce or tomato paste to your beef taco pasta recipe to give it a tangy taste.
Fresh veggies:Â You can also add more fresh vegetables like chopped tomatoes, black beans, bell peppers, black olives, or fresh corn.
Spice it up:Â If you enjoy spicy food, add green chilies or jalapenos to your beef taco pasta recipe.
Chili powder:Â For more Mexican flavor, add chili powder to your pasta sauce.
Garlic:Â Add one teaspoon of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Notes
How to serve:
Serve this beef taco pasta with crunchy tortilla chips and parsley as well as taco sauce, Pico de Gallo, chipotle, and other favorite sauces. Here are some other serving suggestions:
This taco pasta goes perfectly with lettuce and black beans to make a taco pasta salad.
Serve with your family’s favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, avocados, olives, sour cream, and guacamole.
Another perfect pairing would be to add our Mexican salad on the side.Â
Toss a cup of Monterey jack cheese or extra cheddar cheese on top for cheesy taco pasta.
Pair with Mexican black bean salad for a hearty Mexican meal.Â
Another delicious topping for this dish is crumbled or chopped bacon.
Cooking tips:
Lean ground beef is best for this recipe as it has less grease.
In addition, Add tomato paste if your sauce is too thin.
Alternatively, if the sauce is too thick, pour a little more broth or water in to thin it out.Â
Also, if you use broth, make sure it is the low-salt kind or your taco pasta may be too salty.Â
Try using milk instead of water or broth for a creamier sauce.Â
Another option is for the freshest flavor, shred your own cheese at home.