Halloween Taco Pasta Orange Cheddar (Print)

Pasta with taco spices and vibrant cheddar, ideal for a fun Halloween-inspired dinner.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta (preferably tricolor or orange)

→ Meats

02 - 1 lb ground beef or turkey

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 cup frozen corn kernels

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 2 tbsp taco seasoning
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Dairy

11 - 2 cups orange sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream (plus more for serving)

→ Liquids

13 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
14 - 1/2 cup tomato sauce

→ Garnishes (Optional)

15 - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
16 - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
17 - 1 jalapeño, sliced

# Directions:

01 - Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add the onion and garlic to the meat and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in the bell pepper, black beans, and corn; cook for another 3 minutes.
05 - Sprinkle in taco seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
06 - Pour in the broth and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
07 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheddar until melted and well incorporated.
08 - Remove from heat and fold in the sour cream for a creamy texture.
09 - Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheddar, and garnish with green onions, black olives, and jalapeño slices for a festive presentation.
10 - Serve warm, with additional sour cream if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 40 minutes for quick Halloween dinner prep
  • Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand
  • The vibrant orange cheese creates a naturally festive Halloween look
  • Perfect balance of creamy, cheesy and zesty taco flavors
02 -
  • Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully the next day
  • Contains 29g of protein per serving for a satisfying meal
  • Easily customizable with your favorite taco toppings
  • Naturally festive without artificial food coloring
03 -
  • Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed
  • For maximum cheese meltability, grate your own cheddar rather than using pre-shredded which contains anti-caking agents
  • Create a spooky presentation by arranging sliced olives as spiders or using bell pepper cutouts as jack-o-lanterns on top
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to fully develop

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