Description
Mexican-inspired cheesy taco pasta delivers a flavor explosion with ground beef, zesty seasonings, and melted cheese. Hearty pasta combines with classic taco ingredients for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 packet (28 grams) taco seasoning
Pasta and Base:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (shells or rotini)
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) cream cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in generously salted water for recommended time until al dente. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef completely, breaking into small crumbles.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics release their fragrance and vegetables soften.
- Introduce taco seasoning, creating a rich flavor profile. Pour salsa and beef broth into the mixture, allowing ingredients to meld together for 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat and fold cream cheese into the skillet, stirring continuously until sauce becomes velvety and uniform.
- Gently fold reserved pasta into the beef mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated with the zesty sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar across the top, then gently stir until cheese melts completely and integrates with the dish.
- Transfer to serving plates immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro for added brightness and color.
Notes
- Customize taco seasoning intensity by adjusting the amount or using homemade blend for fresher, more controlled flavor profile.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for leaner or vegetarian protein options.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste and texture.
- Consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and spice variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg