Cheesy Taco Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
432 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Description
Cheesy Taco Pasta is made by cooking large shell pasta and preparing a ground beef mixture seasoned with taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, and garlic. The beef is browned and combined with diced onions, garlic, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese, which melts into the warm pasta. This combination creates a comforting dish with layers of savory and mildly spicy flavors balanced by the creamy texture of the melted cheddar.
The pasta maintains its al-dente texture to prevent sogginess when mixed into the sauce. The garnishes of crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, extra cheese, and parsley add desirable texture and toppings that complement the base dish. It is a filling meal that works well for family dinners where straightforward, flavorful comfort food is desired.
The recipe notes emphasize choosing quality pasta with a rough texture and cooking it in well-salted boiling water for optimal seasoning and texture. Lean ground beef is recommended to reduce grease. Adjusting the spice by omitting taco seasoning and red pepper flakes allows customization for heat sensitivity. Ground chicken or turkey can substitute beef for lower fat content. Adding the pasta at the end preserves its firmness in the saucy mixture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound large shell pasta
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup salsa jarred
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- cheese
- tortilla chip crushed
- sour cream
- parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the box directions, drain it, and set aside.
- In the meantime, place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Once it starts sizzling, add the ground beef and brown well, breaking it with a spoon until it is no longer pink.
- Drain the fat, leaving only 1-2 tablespoons in the pan.
- Add the onion and garlic, stir, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the taco seasoning, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add 3/4 cup of water, stir, and cook until water is gone.
- Add the pasta to the pan. Add the salsa and cheese. Stir to combine.
- You can serve it immediately, preferably with crunchy tortilla chips, sour cream, and more cheese on top.
Notes
- Use pasta with a rough texture and no cracks to ensure good sauce adhesion and even cooking.
- Cook pasta in plenty of heavily salted water and keep pieces separate to avoid clumping.
- Choose 85/15 lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dish.
- Cook pasta to al dente so it retains texture when mixed into the beef sauce.
- Adjust seasonings: omit taco seasoning and red pepper flakes if you prefer less heat.
- Substitute ground chicken or turkey for beef to lower fat content.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 432 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 432kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 59mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 634mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 486mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 445IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 2.9mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 162mg | 16% |
| Iron | 2.6mg | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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