Taco Pasta Casserole

 

If you like tacos and pasta, then this dish is sure to be a winner at your house. It combines the great flavor of tacos, pasta, and ground beef. It is comfort food.   Best of all, you don't have to spend all day in the kitchen cooking.

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 sweet pepper, chopped
1 hot pepper, chopped (optional)
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 c, pasta elbow, shells, or fun shapes
1/4 c. taco seasoning  or see below for notes
2 c. water
2/3 c. tomato sauce
1/3 c. salsa
1 c. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

In a large cast iron skillet, brown ground beef, onions, and garlic until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are tender. 

Stir in pasta, taco seasoning, water, and tomato sauce.  

Reduce heat to medium. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook 7 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is done.  Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.

Stir in cheese. Serve. 

If you don't have taco seasoning, you can easily add these ingredients to the dish instead. Mix the ingredients in a bowl and use as much as you need for flavor.

2 Tbs. chili powder
1 1/2 Tbs. cumin
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)