Mama Kat Thursday: Pinterest Try: Taco Pasta!

- March 01, 2018

My most recent Pinterest recipe I tried is called,

"Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta."

It was really good---our two guests gobbled up every last bite!

This dish can be prepared in one pot on the stove.

I only have three recipe adjustments I'd recommend:

1) Use the whole 16 oz box of pasta. The original recipe calls for just half a box and that didn't look like enough to feed 4 hungry adults who might want seconds. I made it the whole box.

2) It was just meat, pasta, taco seasoning & cheese. It could really stand more veggies for color:

A can of diced tomatoes or sliced grape tomatoes, red or green bell peppers, corn, sliced black olives---or even some frozen peas & carrots!

3) I used a whole 16 oz jar of salsa instead of the 1 cup originally called for and the pasta absorbed it easily.
Adding a can of diced of tomatoes would not be a problem.

(The photo is my own.)

Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta

Ingredients:

1 lb box large shell pasta, boiled and drained according to directions.

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 lb lean ground beef

1 packet of low sodium Taco Seasoning

3/4 cup water

1 16oz jar salsa

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Optional Additions:
1 can diced tomatoes

1/2 cup chopped onion, sauteed with meat

1 red or green bell pepper, chopped

Green onions cut coarsely.

1 drained can of Mexican corn or 1 cup frozen

1 small can sliced black olives

1 cup frozen peas & carrots (instead of corn)

Snipped fresh Cilantro leaves

Directions:

1) In a large pot, cook the pasta according to directions, then drain.

2) Using same large pot: add olive oil and brown meat (and onion, if using). Add taco seasoning and water. Stir & cook until water is absorbed.

3) Add jar of salsa (and bell peppers or other veggies, if using.) Stir and heat a few minutes.

4) Add cooked pasta and cheese, stir to combine and heat until cheese is melted. Serve right away.

Serve with a side of sour cream and guacamole, if desired.
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What's your most recent Pinterest recipe try?