Name: Taco Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb. ButcherBox Ground Beef; 1/2 cup onion, chopped finely; ½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves); 2 cups red bell pepper, diced; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (low sodium); 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 3 cups medium shells pasta (10 oz); 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups water; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Introduction

This Taco Pasta recipe combines the bold flavors of a classic taco with comforting pasta, making it a perfect weeknight dinner. It’s easy to prepare, hearty, and packed with savory ingredients that everyone will love.

A close-up view of a large white pan filled with shell pasta mixed with ground meat and tomato sauce. The shells are light golden brown and coated with the reddish-orange sauce, some shells stuffed with bits of the meat mixture inside. The sauce has a smooth, slightly thick texture, evenly covering the pasta. The pan handle is metallic, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. ButcherBox Ground Beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped finely
½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
2 cups red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (low sodium)
3 cups medium shells pasta (10 oz)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
2 cups water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Spray a large pan or pot with olive oil spray and heat it over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Step 3: Stir in the dry pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Mix everything together well. Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
Step 4: Once boiling, remove the lid and reduce the heat to medium. Stir the pasta every few minutes for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
Step 5: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and combined with the pasta and beef mixture.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.
Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for a spicier kick.
Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with pasta shells mixed with a rich reddish-brown meat sauce that includes small pieces of ground meat and bits of red tomato. The pasta shells are firm and yellowish, coated evenly with the sauce, and garnished lightly with small green herbs. Behind it are other white bowls also filled with the same pasta dish. The setting includes a fork resting on the side on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or cooked beans for a vegetarian version. You might want to add extra seasoning to maintain a rich flavor.

Is it necessary to cover the pan when boiling the pasta?

Yes, covering the pan helps the liquid come to a boil faster and cooks the pasta more evenly. Once boiling, removing the lid allows excess liquid to reduce for a creamy consistency.