Description
Comfort meets Mexican-inspired flavors in this irresistible cheesy taco pasta that combines zesty ground beef, melted cheese, and bold spices. Hearty and satisfying, this one-pot wonder brings family and friends together for a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
Main Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or shell)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground meat to the skillet, crumbling thoroughly and cooking until completely browned with no pink remaining.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat, then pour in broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors.
- Reduce heat and incorporate cream cheese, gently stirring until smooth and completely melted.
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and well-integrated.
- Gently fold reserved pasta into the cheese and meat mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated with the savory sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor balance.
- Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with optional fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and freshness.
Notes
- Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the protein-packed flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free pasta and verify taco seasoning is gluten-free to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste.
- Reduce cheese quantity for a lighter meal or substitute with low-fat cheese options to create a more diet-conscious recipe.
- Prep ingredients beforehand and cook quickly for a fast weeknight dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg