Yes – it’s Fusion Time.  I love to experience flavor combinations and styles from all kinds of regions and cuisines.  Mashed potatoes the way Grandma used to make them are still delicious, yet a bit boring.  (Sorry Momo!)  People have come to expect more exotic food combos like wasabi mashed potatoes or kimchi quesadillas.  We want to surprise our taste buds!  And Creamy Taco Bolognese does not disappoint.

I must admit though, that some restaurants seem to take it to the extreme.  Really?  This – that – this, AND that??   Have you experienced reading the description to a dish on the menu and just mentally giving up?  I go out to “escape” and have fun…not be challenged by loquaciousness.  Fusion cooking gone mad.  Either the ingredients are unrecognizable and unpronounceable, or the list is just too darn long to care.  “Hey Chef – you had me at ingredient #4!”

But, I do enjoy trying new combinations, especially when there is Mexican influence involved.  OK, you have to understand that I’ve just come off of a hockey tournament weekend.  And what does that mean?  Well, if the game times fall around the dinner hour, we usually head for a quick Mexican meal immediately afterward.  (I LOVE that about hockey).  And if we go to a bar and grill, what do I gravitate toward?  Nachos, of course.

So Creamy Taco Bolognese was inspired by all of the above…it is the perfect hockey weekend, crowd pleasin’ recipe.  We had company over for dinner and EVERYONE loved this pasta.  It takes the best of a flavorful Bolognese and adds just enough twist to make your taste buds jump up and down.  It’s completely different from our Taco Pasta Salad, which is another of my favorites. I served this with a more traditional pasta shape (spaghetti) , but would really love this with our Lower Cal Pasta!

What were the twists?  Taco seasoning, fresh chopped jalapenos, hot sauce and fresh cilantro.  I also used a combo of ground pork and beef, which adds some nice richness to the sauce.  Sour cream finishes the dish and creates the creamy texture and balances out the spicy undertones.

I can tell you that Creamy Taco Bolognese will be in a regular rotation in our house.  You can serve it with long pasta strands or some short shapes as well.  Note that this recipe makes a lot – it is really a double batch.  I love to have plenty of sauce for my family or guests, and always like to freeze the leftovers for another night.  It’s efficient to do it this way, and a busy working Mom needs to take advantage of the time savings!  Enjoy!