Taco Pasta is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave a hearty, comforting meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. This dish combines the zesty flavors of tacos with the satisfying texture of pasta, all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup. With its blend of seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, green chiles, and melted cheese, Taco Pasta is not only quick and easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a meal for a small gathering, this recipe offers a deliciously satisfying option that brings the best of both worlds to your dinner table.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 4-ounce can green chiles, drained
- ¼ cup taco seasoning
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions :
- Brown the Beef: Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook until it starts to brown, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. When the beef is about halfway cooked, add the finely chopped onion to the pot. Continue to cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Drain Excess Grease: If there is excess grease in the pot, carefully drain it off. Alternatively, tilt the pot and use a paper towel to soak up the excess fat for a more efficient cleanup.
- Incorporate Ingredients: Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, green chiles, taco seasoning, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer and Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the medium shell pasta, stirring to ensure it is evenly distributed. Cover the pot and simmer until the pasta is tender and cooked through, usually about 10-12 minutes. Season the dish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Continue to cook until the cheese is melted and well combined, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the Taco Pasta with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. For the best results, serve the dish promptly while it’s still warm and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Notes
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier version of this dish. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use a higher fat content, but be sure to drain off any excess grease.
- Pasta Options: While this recipe calls for medium shell pasta, feel free to use other types such as rotini, penne, elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or rigatoni. Each type of pasta will absorb the sauce slightly differently but will work well.
- Tomato Substitutes: If you don’t have fire-roasted diced tomatoes, you can use regular diced tomatoes or even Rotel tomatoes for a bit of extra kick.
- Taco Seasoning: For the best flavor, consider using homemade taco seasoning made with chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, and ground cayenne.
- Cooking Pasta: Cook the pasta just until tender to prevent it from becoming mushy. If you plan to reheat leftovers, cook the pasta al dente so it holds up better when reheated.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen leftovers in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.
Conclusion :
Taco Pasta is a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes, bringing the vibrant flavors of taco night into a quick and easy one-pot meal. With its savory combination of seasoned beef, tangy tomatoes, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that delivers both comfort and convenience. Perfect for busy evenings, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors of Taco Pasta and savor the joy of a meal that’s both delicious and effortless to prepare.
Source of the picture : smalltownwoman
