Tasty Beef Taco Pasta (Printable Version)

A quick all-in-one meal featuring seasoned beef, cheesy pasta, and taco-inspired flavors. Ready and on your table in a half hour.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Components

01 - 450g (1 pound) minced beef
02 - 225g (8 ounces) of pasta (try shells, rotini, or penne)
03 - 2 tablespoons of taco spices

→ Liquids & Extras

04 - 14.5-ounce can of chopped tomatoes
05 - 1 cup of tomato puree
06 - 2 cups of water or beef stock
07 - 1 tablespoon of olive oil if you want

→ Optional Toppings

08 - 1 cup of grated cheese (choose cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack)
09 - Optional: 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
10 - Optional: ½ cup of black beans
11 - Optional: ½ cup of sweetcorn
12 - Optional: ¼ cup of chopped bell peppers or jalapeños

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set a big pot over medium heat. Toss in olive oil and garlic (optional), then add the beef. Break it up as it cooks and keep going until it’s browned. If there’s too much grease, you can pour it out.
02 - Once the meat is done, sprinkle on taco seasoning. Stir until everything’s mixed nicely.
03 - Throw in the can of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and your liquid of choice. Add the raw pasta too, making sure it’s under the liquid surface.
04 - Bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat. Put on the lid and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to stir once in a while and check the pasta.
05 - Mix in the shredded cheese until it melts completely. Garnish with things like sour cream or cilantro if you like, then dig in while it’s warm.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Use any pasta shape that suits your taste!
02 - Toss in some corn and black beans for more crunch and flavor.
03 - Dial up or down the heat with mild or spicy taco seasoning.