Discover the delightful blend of flavors with our Taco Pasta, where Mexican-inspired flavors meet comforting pasta in a one-pot wonder that’s simply irresistible. This dish serves up the best of both worlds, capturing the zesty essence of tacos combined with the satisfying warmth of a pasta dish, all coming together for a meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: All the goodness comes together in a single pot, making clean-up a breeze.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of taco seasoning and rich, melted cheese creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for satisfying the whole family, from picky kids to taco-loving adults.
- Versatile Dish: Easily adaptable to include your favorite ingredients or accommodate dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Taco Pasta lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture. From the savory ground beef to the creamy cheese blend, every component enhances the overall deliciousness of this dish.
- 1 lb. Ground Beef: Using 85% lean ensures a perfect balance of flavor without excessive grease.
- 1 oz. packet Taco Seasoning: This packs all the flavors of Mexico into one convenient packet.
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste: For a rich, concentrated flavor that complements the taco spices.
- 1/2 lb. Medium pasta shells: These catch and hold the sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is flavor-packed.
- Cheese Mixture (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Velveeta): The blend ensures creamy, smooth cheese coverage across the pasta.
Variations
Taco Pasta is incredibly forgiving and flexible, making it easy to customize to your heart’s content. Mix it up with these variation ideas and create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef with your favorite plant-based protein or black beans for a meat-free delight.
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy some heat.
- Extra Veggies: Include diced bell peppers or corn for additional texture and sweetness.
- Cheesy Overload: For cheese lovers, feel free to add more of your favorite type, like Pepper Jack for an extra punch.
How to Make Taco Pasta
Step 1: Shred and Set
Start by shredding the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Set them aside along with your Velveeta cubes so that they’re ready to be melted into luscious goodness later on. This step ensures the cheese melts perfectly without clumps.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large pot, cook and crumble the ground beef until browned. Drain the grease thoroughly to keep the dish from becoming too oily, allowing the flavors to shine rather than being overwhelmed by excess fat.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Next, melt butter in the same pot and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, usually about 30 seconds. Stir in the taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef and chicken broths, milk, and Rotel tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to blend the flavors seamlessly.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta shells directly into the sauce, cover, and let simmer. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking, allowing the pasta to absorb the rich, flavorful sauce beautifully.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the cheese, combining until it melts smoothly into the sauce. This step transforms the dish into a creamy dream, tying all the flavors together. Adjust the sauce’s consistency to your preference before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Taco Pasta
- Cheese Mastery: Always shred cheese from a block at home for the smoothest melt.
- Broth Balance: Adjust the broth (beef vs. chicken) to suit your flavor preference—go all beef for a richer undertone.
- Pasta Perfection: Stir the pasta halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
- Sauce Adjustment: If you find your sauce too thick, a splash of milk can help achieve the perfect consistency.
How to Serve Taco Pasta
Garnishes
Finish your Taco Pasta with a flourish by garnishing with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. These add-ons not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This satisfying dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some warm garlic bread. The lightness of a salad balances the heartiness of the pasta, while garlic bread complements its flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and interactive dining experience, consider serving Taco Pasta in taco shells or small bowls spread across a buffet-style table, allowing everyone to customize their portions with different toppings and sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Taco Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This delicious dish holds up well, with flavors that continue to enhance over time.
Freezing
If you plan on freezing Taco Pasta, let it cool completely before placing it into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy a quick, hearty meal whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave portions of the pasta until hot, or gently re-warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a small amount of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
FAQs
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Can I make Taco Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, Taco Pasta can be prepared ahead up to the point of cheese addition. Wait to add the cheese until reheating for the freshest texture.
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What type of pasta works best for Taco Pasta?
Medium pasta shells are ideal as they catch the sauce beautifully, but you can also try rotini or penne for different textures.
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How do I adjust the spice level?
To change the spice level, modify the amount of taco seasoning or add smokey chipotle or fiery cayenne based on your preference.
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What cheese can I use as a substitute for Velveeta?
If Velveeta isn’t available, you can use extra cheddar or Monterey Jack, or a creamy cheese like Colby for a similar melt.
Final Thoughts
Taco Pasta is a delightful marriage of flavors that brings a comforting warmth to any dinner table. It’s incredibly versatile, bringing joy to all who try it. I can’t wait for you to experience this cheesy, taco-inspired meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the culinary wonders it brings!
Print
Taco Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, flavorful one-pot taco pasta recipe that combines seasoned ground beef, hearty pasta, and melty cheese, all cooked together for a quick and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz. Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
Pasta and Meat:
- 1 lb. Ground Beef (85% lean)
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 oz. packet Taco Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 1 cup Whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 (10 oz.) can Rotel Tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1/2 lb. Medium pasta shells
Instructions
- Shred Cheese: Shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and set aside.
- Cook Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, crumbling it with a spoon until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Melt the butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste, cooking for another minute. Pour in the beef broth, chicken broth, and whole milk, stirring well. Add the undrained Rotel tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the pasta shells, ensure they are submerged, cover the pot, and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Melt Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheeses and Velveeta, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Serve: Adjust the sauce consistency if needed by adding a splash more broth or milk. Serve hot, garnished with toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or jalapeños if desired.
Notes
- This recipe makes a lot of sauce, so feel free to add more pasta or toppings.
- You can substitute all chicken or all beef broth based on your preference for a different flavor profile.
- Shred cheese directly from a block for the best melting results.
- Experiment with pasta shapes like rotini or penne for variation.
- Add cooked vegetables such as corn, bell peppers, or black beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
