If you grew up eating Hamburger Helper, raise your hand. Yes, I did. This Beef Taco Pasta tastes just like your childhood favourite meal, but with a Southwest twist. It contains ground beef, a creamy tomato sauce, green chillies, pasta, and tons more delicious comfort food all in one bowl. It all comes together, making dinner so quick and easy. #WIN
WHAT KIND OF PASTA CAN I USE?
I used small pasta shells this time because I had them on hand. However, I originally made the recipe with egg noodles. Other short pasta shapes are also possible, but you will need to cook them for slightly different times depending on what type of pasta they are. You can also make penne and rotini.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU ADD TO TACO PASTA?
This is my favourite part about any recipe. This is my favourite part of any recipe. I love going through my pantry and fridge, looking for leftovers that I can add to the dish. These are some additional ingredients you could add to your Beef Taco Pasta. They would also be delicious with this flavour profile.
- Jalapenos (fresh or pickled)
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Black olives
- Black beans
- Pickled red onions
SWAP THE MEAT
You can use any ground meat you like, such as ground turkey or chicken. You could also substitute ground beef for vegetarians or replace the ground beef with black beans. There are so many options!
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Each 1.3 oz
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.16)
- 1 yellow onion (0.32)
- 2 cloves minced garlic ($0.16)
- 1/2 lb. Ground beef ($3.00
- 1 packet of taco seasoning ($0.67)
- 1 15oz. can diced tomatoes ($0.79)
- 1 4oz. Can diced green chillies ($0.67)
- 1/2 lb. Small pasta shells ($0.50).
- 2 cups beef broth (0.26)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ($1.15)
- Two sliced green onions ($0.20).
INSTRUCTIONS
- Chop the onion and mince garlic. Combine the onion, garlic, olive oil, and salt in a large skillet or large pot. Sauté the onions on medium heat until soft.
- Continue to stir the ground beef with the taco seasoning until it is fully cooked.
- Mix the diced tomatoes and green chiles with juices to the beef. Stir to combine.
- Add the pasta and beef broth to the bowl and mix well. It is okay not to be completely submerged in the broth.
- Cover the pot with a lid and heat on medium-high. Let the broth come to a boil. After the broth has boiled, stir the pasta and place the lid back on the pot. Turn the heat down to medium-low.
- Continue to cook the pasta, stirring once in a while and replacing the lid every so often until it is tender. Once the pasta has been cooked, there should still be some liquid in the pot.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is incorporated into the sauce. Serve with the sliced green onions.
NOTES
*One packet of store-bought taco seasoning (approximately 1 oz.) can be used. You can also use this
