Description
This high protein taco pasta combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, red bell pepper, and melted cheddar in one pan. It makes a satisfying 30-minute dinner with 36 grams of protein per serving.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic, about 2 cloves
- 2 cups diced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium taco seasoning
- 3 cups dry medium pasta shells, about 10 ounces
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Olive oil cooking spray
- Optional toppings: cilantro, green onions, diced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, Greek yogurt, or crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Lightly coat a large, deep skillet or pot with olive oil spray. Heat it over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes, breaking the beef into crumbles, until the meat shows no pink and the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the dry pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Stir well until the tomato paste dissolves.
- Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta turns tender and the liquid reduces into a sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the shredded cheddar and stir until the cheese melts completely.
- Let the pasta rest for 3 minutes. Serve warm with your preferred taco toppings.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of water or broth before reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Rotini, penne, or farfalle can replace the medium shells.
- If the pasta looks dry before it becomes tender, add 1/4 cup warm water.
- For more protein and fiber, add one drained can of black beans during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 586
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 376
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 51
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 102