Taco Pasta – Get ready to experience an explosive combination of two beloved classics in one mouthwatering dish – the Best Taco Pasta! This recipe takes the traditional taco flavors you love and blends them with deliciously comforting pasta. Each bite is an adventure that tantalizes your taste buds with a burst of zesty spices, succulent ground beef, and gooey melted cheese. Prepare to be hooked from the very first taste! If you’re seeking an exciting twist on your regular taco nights, this is the recipe you can’t afford to miss.
Picture this: it was just an ordinary weeknight in our household when I decided to surprise my family with a new dinner creation. As the aroma of sizzling beef and aromatic spices filled the air, my husband and kids curiously gathered around the kitchen. With each step, I shared my excitement, promising them a delightful surprise. The moment they took their first bites, their faces lit up with pure joy. It was an instant hit, and from that night on, our little family had a new favorite dish – the Taco Pasta! Now, it’s become a tradition, and we often make it for special gatherings, family celebrations, and even potlucks. This recipe has truly woven itself into our hearts, and I’m thrilled to share it with you all.
Why This Taco Pasta is a Must-Try Delight?
- The Perfect Fusion: Imagine the delightful marriage of two all-time favorites – tacos and pasta – into one harmonious dish. It’s a flavor explosion you won’t be able to resist!
- Customizable Spice Level: You have the reins to control the heat! Adjust the red pepper flakes and taco seasoning to suit your taste preferences, making it a spicy fiesta or a mild indulgence.
- One-Pan Wonder: This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also a breeze to whip up. With only one pan needed, you’ll have fewer dishes to clean, giving you more time to enjoy your scrumptious creation.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this delightful dish. It’s a fabulous way to introduce new flavors to picky eaters, and they’ll be asking for seconds in no time.
- Garnish Galore: The garnish options are endless! Load up with extra cheese, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips for added crunch, dollop some creamy sour cream, and top it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color.
Ingredients:
- 225g (1/2 lb.) large shells pasta
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 450g (1 lb.) ground beef
- 1 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 (adjust to taste)
- 180ml (3/4 cup) water
- 240ml (1 cup) jarred salsa
- 180g (1 1/2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Directions:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the canola oil. Once it starts sizzling, add the ground beef and brown it well, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s no longer pink.
Drain excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the onions become translucent.
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in 3/4 cup of water, stir, and cook until the water evaporates.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the jarred salsa and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated with the delicious sauce.
Serve your tantalizing Taco Pasta immediately. For that extra oomph, top it with some extra cheese, crushed tortilla chips for crunch, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Get ready to delight in a fiesta of flavors!
Notes:
- Feel free to customize the spice level to your liking by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes and taco seasoning. Add more if you crave a fiery kick or tone it down for a milder version.
- This recipe allows for versatility in toppings. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite taco fixings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a scoop of guacamole.
- For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
In conclusion, the Best Taco Pasta is an absolute must-try dish that brings together the best of both worlds – the savory goodness of tacos and the comforting satisfaction of pasta. With its tantalizing blend of zesty spices, succulent ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a burst of colorful garnishes, this recipe promises an unforgettable flavor experience that will leave you craving more.
Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious, but it’s also a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize the spice level and experiment with various toppings, ensuring a truly personalized fiesta on your plate.
Create cherished memories with your loved ones as you savor every bite of this exciting fusion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, the Best Taco Pasta is sure to be the star of the show.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on this culinary adventure. You’ll soon discover why this Taco Pasta has become an absolute staple in our household and why it’s bound to become a cherished favorite in yours too. Get ready to indulge in a fiesta of flavors and experience the joy of a dish that brings people together over a shared love for good food and great company. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Taco Pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or your favorite meatless ground meat substitute.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While large shells are great for trapping all the flavorful sauce, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the Taco Pasta ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, and add fresh garnishes for that perfect finish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the oven.
How spicy is this Taco Pasta?
The spiciness can be adjusted to your liking. The amount of red pepper flakes and taco seasoning can be increased or decreased to suit your preferred heat level.
Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 225 g 1/2 lb. large shells pasta
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 450 g 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 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 adjust to taste
- 180 ml 3/4 cup water
- 240 ml 1 cup jarred salsa
- 180 g 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the canola oil. Once it starts sizzling, add the ground beef and brown it well, breaking it apart with a spoon until it's no longer pink.
- Drain excess fat, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons in the pan.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute until the onions become translucent.
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in 3/4 cup of water, stir, and cook until the water evaporates.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the jarred salsa and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated with the delicious sauce.
- Serve your tantalizing Taco Pasta immediately. For that extra oomph, top it with some extra cheese, crushed tortilla chips for crunch, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Get ready to delight in a fiesta of flavors!
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