Budget Taco Pasta Fusion (Printable Version)

Hearty pasta, spiced meat, beans, and cheese make a fast, satisfying Mexican-Italian weeknight meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10.5 ounces dried penne or rotini pasta
02 - 1 teaspoon salt, for pasta cooking water

→ Meat and Aromatics

03 - 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Taco Seasoning

06 - 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional

→ Sauce and Mix-Ins

13 - 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, undrained
14 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce or passata
15 - 1/2 cup water
16 - 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed
17 - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
18 - 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

→ Toppings (optional)

19 - 2 spring onions, sliced
20 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
21 - Sour cream
22 - Jalapeño slices

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Stir to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
05 - Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce or passata, and water. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
06 - Stir in the thawed corn and drained black beans. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
07 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to combine with the meat sauce and vegetables.
08 - Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the mixture. Cover with a lid or foil and allow the cheese to melt for 2 to 3 minutes.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with spring onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeño slices if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick meal ready in around thirty minutes
  • Works with affordable pantry staples
  • Hearty mix of flavors for both kids and adults
  • Flexible for ingredient swaps or dietary needs
02 -
  • Packed with fiber and protein from meat beans and corn
  • Makes excellent leftovers and reheats beautifully
  • Great for freezing and meal prep
03 -
  • Always salt your pasta water generously for the best noodle flavor
  • Bloom the taco spices in the pan for a richer aroma
  • Grate cheese yourself for a smoother melt without clumps
  • Draining excess fat after browning beef makes the sauce less greasy and helps the flavors shine
  • Adjust the cayenne for just the right level of heat for your family

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