Cheesy Taco-Style Pasta

I found the original recipe for this pasta dish on Taste of Home's website (Cheesy Taco Pasta by Lauren Hebermehl) and adapted it into my own version. This is an easy and homey concoction that blends the flavors of a taco (ground beef, chili powder, paprika, garlic, onion, cumin, cilantro, salsa, jalapeños, scallions, and cheese) with pasta. Additional toppings can include avocado slices, jalapeño slices, roasted peppers, pickled red onions, roasted corn, and extra cheese! 

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. ground beef

1 onion, finely chopped

2 tbsp. olive oil

TACO SEASONING:

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. Mexican oregano

1 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

1 lb. rotini, rotelle, farfalle or cavatappi pasta

3 cups water

1 cup milk

3/4 cup homemade or store bought salsa

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and sliced

3 scallions, minced

1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:

Sliced avocados

Cilantro

Scallions

Minced red onions

Pickled red onion slices

Roasted jalapeños 

Roasted corn

Shredded Mexican blend and/or Cotija cheese

1. Combine all the taco seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl; set aside (you can also substitute with 2 packets of store-bought taco seasoning)

2. Heat 2 tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet; add the chopped onion and saute for 2-3 minutes; add the ground beef and stir with a spatula or, even better, with a potato masher (this kitchen tool is the best for breaking apart ground meat). Cook until the meat is no longer pink and browned, about 5-8 minutes, breaking apart as you go.

3. Add the taco seasoning spices, 1 cup chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeño, 3 minced scallions and stir well to combine.

4. Add the uncooked pasta, water, milk and salsa and bring to a boil; reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. 

5. Stir in 1 cup of Mexican shredded cheese until melted; turn off heat.

6. Serve in individual serving dishes with optional toppings on the side.

Store bought taco seasoning is ok if you're in a pinch.

Saute the onion and ground beef in 2 tbsp. olive oil.

Add the taco seasoning.

Add chopped cilantro, scallions and sliced jalapeño.

Add uncooked pasta, water, milk, and salsa. Bring to a boil, lower heat to a simmer, cover and cook 5-8 minutes or until the pasta is just cooked through (al dente).

Stir in the shredded cheese and cook until just melted. Turn off heat and serve.