Description
A vibrant and comforting dish that combines the flavors of tacos with pasta for a delicious family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz. pasta (medium shells or rotini)
- 1 lb. ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz.) corn, drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- ½ cup diced onions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside but keep a little pasta water for later.
- While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened and aromatic.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, and salsa into the skillet. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the meat mixture. If it seems too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water for moisture.
- Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and gooey. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and any additional toppings.
Notes
For a lighter option, use ground turkey or lentils. Customize the spice level with different salsas or taco seasoning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg