Taco Pasta

Introduction

Indulge in the mouthwatering blend of two beloved favorites with Taco Pasta. This recipe combines the zesty flavors of tacos with the comforting goodness of pasta, creating a tasty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re a fan of tacos and pasta, this recipe offers the best of both worlds in one delicious dish. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and brings together the classic taco seasoning with cheesy pasta goodness for a fulfilling and flavorful meal.

How to Make Taco Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs of Ground Beef
• 1 Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
• 1 Box Of Pasta Shells
• 1 14.5 ounce Sized Can of Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis
• 1 Packet of Taco Seasoning
• 2 T of Sour Cream, plus 2 more tablespoons for toppings
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 2 C of Shredded Taco Cheese, plus more for toppings
• 3 Green Onions, sliced thin
• 1 C of Ready Made Guacamole
• 1 C of Ready Made Salsa

Directions:

1. Begin by cooking the onions in a skillet with oil until softened.
2. Boil water in a pot and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet with the onions and cook until no longer pink.
4. Mix in the canned tomatoes, taco seasoning, chili powder, and cumin. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/3 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta to the beef mixture and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream.
7. Mix the additional sour cream with cumin and chili powder.
8. Add taco cheese to the mixture and stir until melted.
9. Serve the Taco Pasta topped with seasoned sour cream, green onions, salsa, guacamole, and extra cheese.

How to Serve Taco Pasta

Enjoy Taco Pasta hot and fresh, straight from the stove. Serve it in bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like extra cheese, green onions, salsa, and guacamole for added flavor.

How to Store Taco Pasta

Store any leftover Taco Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent drying out.

Tips to Make Taco Pasta

• Customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences, such as adding diced tomatoes, jalapenos, or olives.
• For a spicier kick, use hot salsa or add extra chili powder to the seasoning.
• Try using different types of pasta shapes to change up the texture and presentation of the dish.

Variation

For a vegetarian twist, substitute the ground beef with plant-based protein such as crumbled tofu or tempeh. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans for a hearty and nutritious version.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

   • Yes, ground turkey can be a leaner alternative to ground beef for a lighter version of Taco Pasta.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?

   • Yes, Taco Pasta can be prepared in advance and reheated, but the pasta may absorb more liquid, so you might need to adjust the consistency with a bit of water or broth.

3. Can I freeze Taco Pasta for later?

   • While it’s possible to freeze Taco Pasta, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and consistency.