Taco Pasta Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Taco Pasta recipe combining ground beef, taco seasoning, and tender pasta shells, all cooked in one pan for a quick and satisfying meal. The dish is finished with melted cheddar cheese for a creamy, cheesy touch perfect for taco lovers.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb. ButcherBox Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped finely
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 2 cups red bell pepper, diced
Seasoning and Liquids
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, low sodium
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
Pasta and Cheese
- 3 cups medium shells pasta (approximately 10 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a large pan or pot with olive oil spray and heat over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes to get it hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: Add the 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 pasta, low-sodium taco seasoning, and tomato paste. Pour in the beef broth and water, then cover the pan and bring it to a boil; this should take roughly 5 minutes.
- Simmer Until Pasta Cooks: Once boiling, uncover the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Stir the mixture every few minutes for 10 to 12 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook through and the liquid to reduce into a flavorful sauce.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the dish becomes creamy and well combined.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the vegetables.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before cooking through, add a splash more broth or water as needed.
Keywords: taco pasta, ground beef pasta, one pan pasta, taco seasoning recipe, cheesy taco pasta, quick dinner