Dive into a symphony of flavors with this homemade tex mex pasta recipe. Combining the zest of taco seasoning, the heartiness of ground beef, and the richness of cheddar cheese, this dish promises a comforting and delicious meal for any occasion.
You might need to pick up a few items from the supermarket that aren't always in your pantry. Specifically, look out for taco seasoning, which gives this dish its distinctive Tex-Mex flair. Additionally, salsa and black beans might not be staples in your kitchen but are essential for this recipe.
Ingredients For Homemade Tex Mex Pasta Recipe
canola oil: Used for cooking the beef and vegetables, it has a neutral flavor.
ground beef: Provides the protein base for the dish.
onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the overall flavor.
red bell pepper: Brings color and a slight crunch to the pasta.
taco seasoning: Essential for the Tex-Mex flavor profile.
beef broth: Adds moisture and intensifies the meaty taste.
tomato sauce: Provides a tangy and rich base for the sauce.
salsa: Adds a spicy kick and additional texture.
corn: Adds sweetness and color to the dish.
black beans: Adds texture and a creamy consistency.
cheddar cheese: Melts into the pasta, providing a creamy and tangy finish.
rigatoni pasta: The main carbohydrate, holds up well to the hearty sauce.
One reader, Arlyne Mckeown says:
This homemade Tex Mex pasta recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The combination of beef, salsa, and taco seasoning creates a mouthwatering dish. It's easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The cheesy, hearty pasta is sure to become a family favorite!
Techniques Required for Making Homemade Tex Mex Pasta
How to cook ground beef: Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
How to chop onions and bell peppers: Peel and finely chop the onion. Remove the seeds and stem from the bell pepper, then finely chop it.
How to combine ingredients: After cooking the beef, onion, and bell pepper, add the taco seasoning, beef broth, tomato sauce, and salsa. Stir well and cook until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
How to cook pasta: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
How to mix final ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, corn, black beans, and cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
How To Make Homemade Tex Mex Pasta
Tex Mex pasta is an easy Mexican-inspired recipe perfect for busy weeknights made with ground beef, salsa, and rigatoni pasta all cooked in one pot.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspcanola oil
- 1lbground beef
- 1cuponion,diced
- ½red bell pepper,diced
- 2tbsptaco seasoning
- 1cupbeef broth
- 1cuptomato sauce
- 1cupsalsa
- 1cupcorn
- 1cupblack beans
- 1cupcheddar cheese
- 8ozrigatoni pasta,cooked
Instructions
-
Add the canola oil, beef, onion, and bell pepper to a large skillet and cook on medium-high until cooked through for about 5 to 7 minutes.
-
Add in the taco seasoning, beef broth, tomato sauce, and salsa then cook until it thickens for about 3 to 4 minutes.
-
Add in the corn, black beans, cheese, and pasta then stir to combine.
Nutrition
- Calories: 483.27kcal
- Fat: 21.65g
- Saturated Fat: 8.02g
- Trans Fat: 0.88g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.82g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.00g
- Carbohydrates: 47.63g
- Fiber: 6.85g
- Sugar: 6.38g
- Protein: 25.08g
- Cholesterol: 57.09mg
- Sodium: 738.06mg
- Calcium: 179.28mg
- Potassium: 942.76mg
- Iron: 3.54mg
- Vitamin A: 73.51µg
- Vitamin C: 14.97mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Homemade Tex Mex Pasta
When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces to ensure even cooking and a better texture in your Tex Mex pasta. This also allows the onion and red bell pepper to mix more thoroughly with the meat, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Tex Mex Pasta
Pre-cook the pasta: Cook the rigatoni pasta ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can just add it to the skillet when needed.
Use pre-chopped vegetables: Save time by using pre-chopped onion and red bell pepper from the store.
Ready-made taco seasoning: Opt for store-bought taco seasoning instead of making your own.
Frozen corn and canned beans: Use frozen corn and canned black beans to cut down on prep time.
Shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid the extra step of grating.
Substitute Ingredients For Homemade Tex Mex Pasta Recipe
canola oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil provides a similar cooking medium with a slightly richer flavor.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of beef.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder, slightly sweeter flavor that can complement the dish well.
red bell pepper - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers have a slightly more bitter taste but can still provide the necessary texture and color.
taco seasoning - Substitute with homemade spice blend: A mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder can replicate the flavors of taco seasoning.
beef broth - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth can provide a similar depth of flavor, though slightly lighter.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can offer a similar consistency and flavor profile.
salsa - Substitute with diced tomatoes with green chilies: This can provide a similar texture and a bit of heat, akin to salsa.
corn - Substitute with frozen peas: Frozen peas can add a similar pop of color and sweetness.
black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans have a similar texture and can easily replace black beans in the recipe.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts well and has a mild flavor that complements Tex-Mex dishes.
rigatoni pasta - Substitute with penne pasta: Penne pasta has a similar shape and texture, making it a suitable replacement.
Best Way to Present Homemade Tex Mex Pasta
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the tex mex pasta in smaller, refined portions to highlight the intricate flavors and textures. Use a ring mold to shape the rigatoni pasta into a neat, compact form on the plate.
Use decoration: Garnish the dish with finely chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco to add a touch of color and elegance. Place a few thin slices of avocado and a wedge of lime on the side for a fresh, vibrant look.
Highlight ingredients: Arrange a few whole black beans and kernels of corn artistically around the pasta to showcase the key components of the dish. This adds visual interest and emphasizes the tex mex theme.
Use high-quality plating: Serve the dish on a pristine white plate to make the colors of the cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, and salsa pop. The contrast will draw attention to the vibrant ingredients.
Add a sauce drizzle: Lightly drizzle a bit of tomato sauce or a spicy crema around the pasta for an artistic touch. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of flavor.
Incorporate texture: Add a small, crispy tortilla strip on top of the pasta for a crunchy texture contrast. This will elevate the dish by adding a different mouthfeel.
Balance the plate: Ensure the plate is balanced by placing the rigatoni pasta slightly off-center, leaving space for the garnishes and sauce. This creates a visually appealing composition that draws the eye across the entire plate.
Essential Tools for Making Tex Mex Pasta at Home
Large skillet: Used for cooking the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper together. It provides enough space to cook everything evenly.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients in the skillet without scratching the surface.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring the canola oil and taco seasoning.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the beef broth, tomato sauce, salsa, corn, black beans, and cheddar cheese.
Chef's knife: Necessary for chopping the onion and red bell pepper.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the vegetables.
Pot: Used for boiling the rigatoni pasta.
Colander: Helps in draining the cooked pasta.
Grater: If you are using a block of cheddar cheese, this tool is needed to grate the cheese.
Mixing spoon: Useful for combining all the ingredients together in the skillet.
Meat thermometer: Optional, but useful to ensure the ground beef is cooked to a safe temperature.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Tex Mex Pasta
Let the tex mex pasta cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the pasta soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze the tex mex pasta:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Squeeze out any excess air from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen tex mex pasta will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the refrigerated pasta, simply microwave it in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
For frozen pasta, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, or reheat it directly from frozen:
- To reheat from frozen in the microwave, place the frozen pasta in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.
- To reheat from frozen on the stovetop, place the frozen pasta in a saucepan with a splash of water or broth. Cover and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and the liquid is absorbed.
How to Reheat Leftover Tex Mex Pasta
Reheat the leftover tex mex pasta in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or water if needed to restore moisture.
For a crispy texture, spread the leftover pasta in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar cheese and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the pasta are slightly crispy.
Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Sprinkle with extra shredded cheddar cheese and cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
For individual portions, divide the leftover pasta into oven-safe ramekins. Top each portion with extra shredded cheddar cheese and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Create a tex mex pasta frittata by whisking together eggs, milk, and leftover pasta in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a greased oven-safe skillet and cook over medium heat until the edges set. Transfer the skillet to a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden brown.
Interesting Fact About Tex Mex Pasta
markdown This Tex Mex pasta recipe combines the flavors of tacos and pasta in one dish, making it a unique fusion meal. The use of taco seasoning and salsa gives it a spicy kick, while the cheddar cheese adds a creamy texture. It's a great way to enjoy the taste of Tex Mex cuisine in a comforting pasta dish.
Is Making Tex Mex Pasta at Home Cost-Effective?
This homemade tex mex pasta recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. Utilizing affordable ingredients like ground beef, onion, red bell pepper, and pantry staples such as corn and black beans, it delivers a hearty meal without breaking the bank. The use of cheddar cheese and rigatoni pasta adds richness and texture, making it a crowd-pleaser. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $12-$15 USD.
Is This Tex Mex Pasta Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This Tex-Mex pasta recipe, while flavorful and comforting, leans towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- High in saturated fat from the ground beef and cheddar cheese
- Significant sodium content from the taco seasoning, beef broth, tomato sauce, and salsa
- Refined carbohydrates from the rigatoni pasta
- Limited vegetables, primarily onion and red bell pepper
However, the recipe does include some nutritious elements, such as the protein from the ground beef and black beans, as well as the fiber and vitamins from the corn and beans.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or lentils
- Reduce the amount of cheddar cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety
- Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and nutrients
- Increase the variety and quantity of vegetables, such as adding diced zucchini, carrots, or spinach
- Prepare homemade taco seasoning to control sodium levels
- Use low-sodium beef broth and tomato sauce
- Incorporate additional spices and herbs for flavor, such as cumin, oregano, and fresh cilantro
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal
Editor's Opinion on This Tex Mex Pasta Recipe
This homemade Tex-Mex pasta recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the heartiness of ground beef and rigatoni with the vibrant tastes of taco seasoning, salsa, and fresh vegetables. The use of cheddar cheese adds a creamy richness, while the corn and black beans provide texture and nutritional value. The recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. However, consider adding a touch of lime juice and fresh cilantro at the end to elevate the freshness and authenticity of the dish.
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Why trust this Homemade Tex Mex Pasta Recipe:
This homemade Tex-Mex pasta recipe combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning, salsa, and cheddar cheese with the comforting texture of rigatoni pasta. The addition of ground beef, corn, and black beans ensures a hearty and satisfying meal. With easy-to-follow instructions and common ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Trust this recipe for its balance of flavors and simplicity.
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