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Let me share one of my family's favorite dinner recipes Taco Pasta. I stumbled upon this combination years ago when I couldn't decide between making tacos or pasta for dinner. Now it's become our most requested meal blending all the cozy comfort of pasta with those bold taco flavors we all love.
Two Favorites In One
You know those nights when you want something quick but still special? This is my go to solution. My kids do a happy dance when they smell those taco seasonings and see the cheese melting into the pasta. It's become our ultimate comfort food with just enough spice to keep things interesting.
What You'll Need
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons just enough to get us started.
- Onion: 1 small yellow one diced nice and fine.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound I like 80/20 for flavor.
- Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons the blend not straight chiles.
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon adds that perfect taco warmth.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon sweet not smoked.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups low sodium is best.
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes: 1 can they make everything better.
- Green Chilies: 1 small can mild or hot your choice.
- Milk: ½ cup whole milk makes it extra creamy.
- Pasta: 8 ounces fusilli or any short pasta you love.
- Cheddar: 1 cup sharp gives the best flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Cilantro or parsley if you like.
Let's Cook Together
- Start The Base
- Heat your olive oil in a big pan and soften those onions. I like using my deepest skillet for this everything fits perfectly.
- Cook The Beef
- Push those onions aside add your beef in chunks let it get some color before breaking it up. A little browning adds so much flavor.
- Add Our Spices
- Sprinkle in the seasonings and let them wake up in the heat. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point.
- Build The Sauce
- Pour in your broth tomatoes chilies and milk. Let it all come to a happy simmer.
- Pasta Time
- Add the pasta right into the sauce. Cover it partially and let it cook about 14 minutes stirring now and then.
- Cheese Please
- Turn down the heat stir in that cheese until it's all melty and perfect. Top with herbs if you like.
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Why This Works
I love how this recipe combines things I usually have on hand into something that feels special. It's my secret weapon on busy nights when I want to get dinner on the table without much fuss. Plus it always gets clean plates even from my pickiest eaters.
Choose Your Ingredients
After making this countless times I've found that short pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini work best they really grab onto that sauce. Fire roasted tomatoes are worth seeking out they add this subtle smokiness that makes everything taste better.
Spice It Your Way
In our house we like it medium spicy but you can easily adjust. Start with less chili powder if you're unsure you can always add more. Want it spicier? A pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños does the trick.
Save Some For Later
Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for about three days. When you're ready for round two just warm it gently with a splash of milk or broth to bring back that creamy texture. Perfect for lunch the next day.
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Serve It Up
We love setting out little bowls of toppings like sour cream diced avocado and crushed tortilla chips. Everyone can customize their own bowl. A simple salad on the side makes it a complete meal though honestly it's satisfying all on its own.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I use ground turkey for a lighter version or toss in some bell peppers for extra color. My kids love when I use pepper jack instead of cheddar for a spicy twist. Don't be afraid to make it your own.
My Best Tips
Use your biggest pan trust me the pasta needs room to cook evenly. Keep an eye on the heat too high and the sauce gets too thick too low and the pasta takes forever. Just a gentle simmer and regular stirring is perfect.
Quick Answers
Yes you can use pre shredded cheese though freshly grated melts better. Want to add corn? Go for it. Need it creamier? A splash more milk does the trick. Making it healthier? Lean beef works great just watch it doesn't dry out.
Perfect When You're Busy
This has saved dinner at my house more times than I can count. One pan minimal prep maximum flavor it's the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen genius even when you're short on time.
Simply Delicious
Over the years this Taco Pasta has become more than just a recipe it's comfort in a bowl. That perfect blend of Mexican spices melty cheese and tender pasta never fails to bring smiles to our table. I hope it becomes a favorite in your house too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes, you can substitute fusilli with other medium-sized pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just make sure to adjust cooking time based on package instructions.
- → What if my pasta is too dry?
- You can add more chicken broth as needed to reach desired consistency. The recipe suggests having extra broth on hand for this purpose.
- → Can I use a different type of ground meat?
- Ground turkey or chicken would work well as substitutes. Just remember that leaner meats might need a bit more oil when cooking to prevent sticking.
- → How spicy is this dish?
- This recipe uses mild green chilies and standard chili powder, making it family-friendly. You can adjust the spice level by using hot green chilies or adding cayenne pepper.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- While best served fresh, leftovers reheat well. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore the creamy texture.