Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step in creating this flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you prefer)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Feel free to swap the beef broth with chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand, or add a jalapeño if you like your food with a kick! It’s all about making it your own, just like abuela taught me.
Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your crock pot.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and pasta shells.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving, if desired.
Remember, cooking is about intuition and taste. If you feel like adding a little more cheese or an extra pinch of seasoning, go for it! That’s how traditions are born in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International