1 bowl Taco Pasta is a delicious and easy to make meal that will satisfy your hunger. With just 472 calories, it's a filling and nutritious option for dinner or lunch. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you don't have much time to cook but still want a tasty and satisfying meal.
This dish is made with ground beef, pasta, and a delicious blend of spices that give it that classic taco flavor. It's also loaded with veggies like tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers, which add even more flavor and nutrition. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a tasty, filling meal that will leave you satisfied and energized.
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about making this delicious dish. From the ingredients you'll need to the best serving ideas, we've got you covered with all the information you need.
Ingredients in 1 Bowl Taco Pasta
To make 1 bowl of Taco Pasta, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon cumin
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cilantro (optional)
How to Make 1 Bowl Taco Pasta?
Making 1 Bowl Taco Pasta is easy and quick. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add onions, peppers, and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Add tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the pasta and cover with a lid. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Taste and Texture of 1 Bowl Taco Pasta
1 bowl Taco Pasta has a delicious and savory taste with a perfect blend of spices that give it that classic taco flavor. The texture is hearty and filling, with the pasta and ground beef creating a perfect base for the veggies and spices to meld together. The cheese on top adds a luxurious creaminess to the dish, making it even more satisfying to eat.
Nutrition Level in 1 Bowl Taco Pasta
1 Bowl Taco Pasta is a filling and nutritious meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- calories: 472
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 498mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 35g
Variations of 1 Bowl Taco Pasta
1 Bowl Taco Pasta is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding more veggies like zucchini, corn, and black beans.
- Add some heat by using spicier chili powder or adding some diced jalapenos to the skillet.
- Experiment with different types of cheese on top, like pepper jack or queso fresco.
- For a creamier dish, mix in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Try using different types of pasta, like penne or bowtie.
Serving Ideas for 1 Bowl Taco Pasta
1 Bowl Taco Pasta is a delicious and filling meal that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving ideas to try:
- Serve it in a bowl with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh cilantro on top.
- Wrap it up in a tortilla with some shredded lettuce and diced avocado for a tasty and filling burrito.
- Drizzle some hot sauce or salsa on top for some extra heat and flavor.
- Serve it with a side of tortilla chips and guacamole for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage Instruction for 1 Bowl Taco Pasta
1 Bowl Taco Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply microwave it for a few minutes or heat it up on the stove.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, ground turkey would be a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to eat. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Substitutes for Ingredients in 1 Bowl Taco Pasta
If you don't have all the ingredients for 1 Bowl Taco Pasta, here are some substitutes you can use:
- Ground beef - Ground turkey, ground pork, or vegetarian crumbles
- Rotini pasta - Any other type of pasta you have on hand
- Diced tomatoes - Canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, or fresh tomatoes
- Red onion - White onion or yellow onion
- Bell peppers - Any other type of pepper you have on hand, like poblano or jalapeno
Tips for Making 1 Bowl Taco Pasta
Here are some tips to keep in mind when making 1 Bowl Taco Pasta:
- Be sure to drain the grease from the ground beef before adding the veggies and spices.
- Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook slightly when you add it back to the skillet.
- Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chili powder and cumin.
- If you're making this dish ahead of time, wait to add the shredded cheese until you're ready to serve.
1 Bowl Taco Pasta is a versatile and filling meal that's easy to customize to your taste preferences.
Taco Pasta: 5 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. What is Taco Pasta?
Taco Pasta is a delicious and filling dish that combines the flavors of your favorite Mexican food with Italian pasta. It's made with ground beef or turkey, taco seasoning, pasta, and a variety of toppings like cheese, sour cream, and jalapenos.
2. How many calories are in a bowl of Taco Pasta?
One bowl of Taco Pasta contains approximately 472 calories. However, the exact calorie count may vary depending on the type and amount of ingredients used to prepare the dish.
3. Can I make Taco Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Taco Pasta ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later. To reheat, simply heat the pasta in a pan on the stove or in the microwave until it's warm throughout.
4. What are some common toppings for Taco Pasta?
Some common toppings for Taco Pasta include shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. However, feel free to add any of your favorite toppings to make the dish even more flavorful!
5. Is Taco Pasta a healthy meal option?
While Taco Pasta can be a tasty and filling meal, it may not be the healthiest option due to its high calorie and fat content. However, you can make some healthy substitutions like using ground turkey instead of beef, whole grain pasta, and reduced-fat cheese to make the dish more nutritious.