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Cheesy Taco Pasta

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Cheesy Taco Pasta combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning, ground beef, and salsa in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. It’s a quick and indulgent meal perfect for taco night with a fun twist!

Ingredients

1/2 pound large shells pasta

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 pound ground beef

1 medium yellow onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

3/4 cup water

1 cup jarred salsa

1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Salt to taste

Pepper to taste

Garnish:

Cheese

Crushed tortilla chips

Sour cream

Chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the large shells pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  4. Stir in the taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes. Add the water and salsa, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat the pasta in the sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, cheesy sauce.
  6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with additional shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra nutrition.

For extra heat, add jalapeños or more red pepper flakes.

Ground turkey can be used as a leaner option instead of ground beef.

You can use a blend of Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for more flavor.

Reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or salsa to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/cheesy-taco-pasta/