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Cheesy Taco Pasta

Rich, cheesy, and bursting with zesty flavor, Cheesy Taco Pasta is a fusion dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 620kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 0.5 pound large shells pasta

Meat

  • 1 pound ground beef

Cheese

  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Liquid

  • 0.75 cup water

Cooking Oil

  • 1 tbsp cooking oil

Vegetables

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup jarred salsa
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp pepper

Garnish

  • 0.5 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Add diced onions and sauté until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  • Stir in Worcestershire sauce, taco seasoning, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Pour in the water and simmer until liquid reduces slightly.
  • Add cooked pasta, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
  • Top with extra shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans for more texture and nutrition. Adjust spice levels with salsa and red pepper flakes to your taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcal | Fat: 34g