Description
This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick, beginner-friendly one-pot meal combining the bold flavors of taco-seasoned beef, salsa, and melty cheese with comforting pasta shells.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 pound large shells pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the shell pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain the excess fat from the skillet, then add taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water. Stir well and simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add the cooked pasta, salsa, and shredded cheese to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with optional toppings like crushed tortilla chips or sour cream.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- If the sauce gets too thick when reheating, add a splash of water or broth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months (add cheese after reheating if frozen).
- Try adding chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 394
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 528mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg