Description
A warm and comforting pasta dish that combines the flavors of tacos with a cheesy twist, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups small shell pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or extra lean)
- 1/2 cup onions (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced, optional)
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
Instructions
- Place a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, draining excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic to the beef. Fry for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce, taco seasoning, water, and small shell pasta, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Reduce heat to medium, cover loosely, and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- When the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with black beans or lentils. Adjust seasoning for milder or spicier flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Taco Pasta, quick meals, family-friendly recipes, cheesy pasta