Description
This flavorful Taco Pasta recipe combines seasoned ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and hearty pasta, all cooked together in one pan for a quick and satisfying meal. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s a perfect blend of Tex-Mex flavors and comfort food, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ButcherBox Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped finely
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 2 cups red bell pepper, diced
Seasoning and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
Pasta and Cheese
- 3 cups medium shell pasta (10 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Spray a large pan or pot with olive oil spray. Heat the pan over medium-high heat for 3 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the beef and vegetables: Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell peppers into the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, and the vegetables are softened.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the dry pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Mix everything well to combine. Cover the pan and bring the contents to a boil, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
- Simmer and cook pasta: Once boiling, remove the cover and reduce the heat to medium. Stir the mixture every few minutes while it simmers for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly reduced.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and well combined, creating a creamy and flavorful pasta dish.
Notes
- Use low sodium taco seasoning to better control the salt content.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika with the taco seasoning.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a diced jalapeño when cooking the vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
