Taco Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Taco Pasta recipe is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that combines the zest of taco seasoning with comforting pasta. Ground beef, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese come together in a hearty, one-pot meal perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ButcherBox Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup onion (chopped finely)
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 2 cups red bell pepper (diced)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (low sodium)
- 3 cups medium shells pasta (10 oz)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Spray a large pan or pot with olive oil spray and heat over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Add ground beef, onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Step 3: Stir in dry pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Cover the pan and bring to a boil, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Once boiling, remove the cover and reduce heat to medium. Stir every few minutes for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced.
- Step 5: Remove the pan from heat, add shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until the cheese is melted and the dish is creamy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Try mixing in black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
Storage
Store leftover taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the pasta has dried out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni works well in this recipe since they cook evenly with the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. You can replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a meatless version.
PrintTaco Pasta Recipe
This flavorful Taco Pasta recipe combines seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, and taco seasoning with pasta cooked directly in a savory broth, finished off with melted cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy texture. It’s a quick and satisfying one-pan dish perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb. ButcherBox Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped finely
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
- 2 cups red bell pepper, diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Liquids
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
Pasta and Cheese
- 3 cups medium shell pasta (10 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a large pan or pot with olive oil spray and heat it over medium-high heat for 3 minutes to warm up the cooking surface.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Add ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell peppers to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add Pasta and Seasonings: Stir in the dry medium shell pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Bring to a Boil: Cover the pan with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil. This should take approximately 5 minutes.
- Simmer Until Pasta Cooks: Once boiling, remove the lid and reduce the heat to medium. Stir every few minutes and cook for 10-12 minutes more, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and combined for a creamy texture.
Notes
- Use low sodium taco seasoning to control salt content.
- Make sure to stir often after removing the lid to prevent pasta from sticking or burning.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Add chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
- You can use different pasta shapes, but medium shells hold the sauce well.
Keywords: Taco Pasta, Ground Beef Pasta, One Pot Pasta, Mexican Inspired Pasta, Easy Dinner Recipe
