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Taco Pasta Recipe

4.8 from 85 reviews

This Taco Pasta recipe combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with hearty ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheddar cheese, creating a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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 shell pasta (10 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the pan: Spray a large pan or pot with olive oil spray and heat it over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes to prepare for cooking.
  2. Cook the beef and vegetables: Add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell peppers to the pan. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
  3. Add pasta and seasonings: Stir in the dry pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
  4. Bring to a boil: Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil, which should take about 5 minutes.
  5. Simmer and cook: Once boiling, remove the cover and reduce the heat to medium. Stir the mixture every few minutes for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
  6. Add cheese and serve: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use low sodium taco seasoning to control sodium content.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
  • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
  • Make sure to stir frequently during the simmering step to prevent pasta from sticking to the pan.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Keywords: taco pasta, ground beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, one-pot pasta, taco seasoning pasta, cheddar cheese pasta