The BEST Taco Pasta

This Taco Pasta combines the delicious flavors of a classic taco with the comfort of pasta, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to please the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound large shells pasta
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 pound 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
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup jarred salsa
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Sour cream
• Chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to box directions, drain, and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef: In the meantime, place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Once it starts sizzling, add the ground beef and brown well, breaking it with a spoon until no longer pink. Drain the fat.

3. Add Aromatics: Add the onion and garlic, stir and cook for 1 minute.

4. Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add 3/4 cup of water, stir and cook until water is gone.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the pasta to the pan. Add the salsa and cheese. Stir to combine.

6. Serve: Serve immediately, preferably with crunchy tortilla chips, sour cream, and more cheese on top.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

1. Top with Garnishes: Add extra cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley just before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
2. Pair with Sides: Serve with a fresh side salad, guacamole, or a simple vegetable dish to balance the meal.
3. Warm Serving Dish: Serve the pasta in a warmed dish to keep it hot for longer, especially if serving at a gathering or dinner party.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store leftover Taco Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing the container.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Taco Pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, label it, and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
3. Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or thawed pasta in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.
4. Portion Control: For easy grab-and-go meals, portion out individual servings before refrigerating or freezing. This way, you can reheat only what you need.

Variations:

1. Chicken Taco Pasta:

• Substitute ground beef with diced chicken breast or ground chicken. Follow the same cooking instructions for browning the meat.

2. Vegetarian Taco Pasta:

• Replace ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked black beans. This makes the dish vegetarian-friendly while keeping the taco flavors intact.

3. Spicy Taco Pasta:

• Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. You can also use a spicy salsa instead of regular salsa.

4. Taco Pasta Bake:

• After combining the pasta and sauce, transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with extra cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Creamy Taco Pasta:

• Stir in 1/2 cup of cream cheese or sour cream to the pasta mixture for a creamier texture. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Taco Mac and Cheese:

• Replace the cheddar cheese with a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Add a creamy cheese sauce to the pasta mixture for an indulgent mac and cheese version.

7. Low-Carb Taco Pasta:

• Substitute large shells pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

8. Taco Pasta Salad:

• Serve the dish cold as a pasta salad. After cooking and cooling the pasta, mix it with the other ingredients and refrigerate. Add fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and corn for extra crunch.

9. Taco Pasta with Veggies:

• Add your favorite vegetables to the dish. Bell peppers, corn, and black beans work well and add extra nutrition and color.

10. Cheese-Stuffed Taco Pasta:

• Stuff large pasta shells with a mixture of ricotta and shredded cheese. Arrange in a baking dish, cover with the taco meat sauce, and top with extra cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

11. Taco Pasta with Rotisserie Chicken:

• Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a quicker preparation. Add it to the skillet with the seasonings after cooking the onions and garlic.

12. Seafood Taco Pasta:

• Substitute the ground beef with cooked shrimp or a seafood medley. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the seafood is heated through.

13. Taco Pasta Casserole:

• Layer cooked pasta, taco meat mixture, salsa, and cheese in a baking dish. Repeat the layers and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

14. Mediterranean Taco Pasta:

• Add Mediterranean flavors by using Greek seasoning, chopped olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice to the pasta and meat mixture.

Experiment with these variations to create a Taco Pasta dish that suits your taste and dietary preferences!

 FAQs:

1. Can I make Taco Pasta ahead of time? Yes, you can make Taco Pasta ahead of time. Prepare the pasta and meat mixture, then store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine and reheat just before serving.

2. How do I store leftover Taco Pasta? Store leftover Taco Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing the container.

3. Can I freeze Taco Pasta? Yes, you can freeze Taco Pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, label it, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. How do I reheat Taco Pasta? Reheat Taco Pasta in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and prevent the pasta from drying out.

5. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are great alternatives to large shells pasta.

6. What can I use instead of ground beef? You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

7. Can I make Taco Pasta spicier? Yes, you can make Taco Pasta spicier by adding more red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or using a spicy salsa.

8. Can I add vegetables to the Taco Pasta? Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes are great additions to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

9. What type of cheese works best for Taco Pasta? Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.

10. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy? To prevent the pasta from getting mushy, cook it al dente according to the package instructions and avoid overcooking when reheating. If storing, keep the pasta and sauce separate and combine just before serving.

This Taco Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining the zest of tacos with the heartiness of pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Garnish with cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and chopped parsley for an extra touch of deliciousness. Enjoy this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish!