Description
Hearty taco pasta brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table, blending zesty spices with creamy pasta perfection. Packed with ground beef, cheese, and bold seasonings, this one-pot wonder will satisfy you with its irresistible fusion of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
Pasta and Base:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Flavor Enhancers and Toppings:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced green onions
- Sliced jalapenos
- Sour cream or guacamole
Instructions
- Prepare a generously sized pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium temperature. Introduce ground protein, crumbling and browning until no pink remains. Eliminate excess rendering.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat, incorporating salsa and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Allow mixture to simmer, melding flavors for approximately 5 minutes.
- Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet, gently folding to ensure complete coating with the robust meat sauce.
- Reduce heat and integrate sour cream, stirring until sauce transforms into a luxurious, creamy consistency. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar, continuing to stir until cheese melts seamlessly.
- Elevate the dish with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, additional sour cream, or vibrant guacamole. Serve piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the zesty taco flavor profile.
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the dish’s delicious texture.
- Control spice levels by selecting mild or hot taco seasoning, ensuring the recipe suits different heat preferences and family tastes.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process, making this quick meal even faster and more convenient for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg