5.0 from 48 votes
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Taco Pasta is made with pasta shells, ground beef, cheese, and taco seasonings, so you get an absolutely delicious dinner in minutes! It is a runaway winner in my household, and it only takes 30 minutes to make!
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 432 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American , Mexican
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound large shells 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 dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Garnish:
- cheese
- crushed tortilla chips
- sour cream
- chopped parsley
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.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- First, you have to choose the best pasta. Choose a yellow pasta (off-yellow means preservatives) with a rough texture and no cracks. Then, use a large enough pot to boil the pasta. There should be enough room for the water to boil and the pasta to not be compacted. The pieces should be able to move around so they do not get clumped together.
- Also, add plenty of salt to the water. I use one tablespoon for every four quarts of water and every pound of pasta. Not only does the salt make the water boil hotter, but it seasons the noodles. Cook the pasta al-dente, following the instructions on the box, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the beef sauce.
- Make sure you use 85/15 lean ground beef for the least grease.
- Cook your noodles just to al dente and add them at the end so they do not get soggy.
- For those sensitive to spicy food, leave out the taco seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- If you are on a low-fat diet, use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.
Nutrition Information
Calories
432kcal
(22%)
Carbohydrates
34g
(11%)
Protein
25g
(50%)
Fat
20g
(31%)
Saturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Cholesterol
59mg
(20%)
Sodium
634mg
(26%)
Potassium
486mg
(14%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
445IU
(9%)
Vitamin C
2.9mg
(3%)
Calcium
162mg
(16%)
Iron
2.6mg
(14%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 432
% 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.