Description
This Taco Pasta recipe is a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and tender pasta shells, all cooked together with a rich tomato and taco spice base, then topped with melted cheddar cheese for a cheesy finish. Perfect for a quick and hearty dinner that brings the best of taco flavors to your pasta bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ButcherBox Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about ½ tablespoon)
- 2 cups red bell pepper, diced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Pasta and Liquids
- 3 cups medium pasta shells (about 10 oz)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Spray a large pan or pot with olive oil spray and heat it over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes to get it ready for sautéing.
- Cook the beef and vegetables: Add 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, and the vegetables are softened.
- Add pasta and seasonings: Stir in the dry pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Mix everything well so the flavors combine evenly. Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Simmer until pasta is cooked: Once boiling, remove the lid and reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring every few minutes, for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and combines smoothly with the pasta and beef mixture. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use low sodium taco seasoning to control salt levels in the dish.
- Medium shell pasta or similarly shaped pasta like elbow macaroni works well to hold the sauce.
- Adjust cooking times based on pasta brand and size; pasta should be al dente.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños.
- To make this dish faster, premix taco seasoning or use pre-chopped vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: taco pasta, one-pot meal, ground beef recipe, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, easy weeknight dinner
