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Taco Pasta Recipe

Taco Pasta Recipe – Quick, Cheesy Comfort for Dinner

This Taco Pasta Recipe offers a quick, cheesy comfort meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Large Shells Pasta Choose rough-textured, yellow varieties for best results.
For the Filling
  • 1 pound Ground Beef For a leaner option, use 85/15 ground beef or swap for ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon Canola Oil Essential for developing flavor in the base.
  • 1 unit Yellow Onion Chop finely for even cooking.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Use fresh minced garlic for best flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning Homemade is preferred, but store-bought can suffice.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Adds earthy undertones.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce A key ingredient for elevating meat flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust quantity based on your spice tolerance.
  • 3/4 cup Water/Beef Broth Substituting with beef broth adds more flavor.
  • 1 cup Jarred Salsa Select your favorite variety for a personal touch.
For the Creamy Finish
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Always shred fresh cheese for best results.
  • to taste Salt & Pepper Adjust according to taste.
For Garnishes
  • Garnishes Optional ingredients for serving, such as additional cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and chopped parsley.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • colander
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the large shells pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a sizable skillet, heat a drizzle of canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, dried oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour in ¾ cup of water or beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add the drained shells, jarred salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet. Stir vigorously for about 2 minutes until the cheese has melted.
  6. Spoon the Taco Pasta into serving bowls while hot. Add desired garnishes like extra cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, or chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For best results, cook large shells pasta al dente to prevent a mushy texture. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best creamy consistency.

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