Description
Mexican-inspired cheesy taco pasta delivers comfort and excitement in one skillet. Rich layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty spices create a delicious weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or chicken
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups pasta (penne or shells)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water or broth
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 350°F.
- Sauté diced onions until softened and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground meat to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for 30-45 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly across the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices.
- Pour tomato sauce and liquid into the skillet, blending ingredients until well combined.
- Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 4-6 minutes, allowing seasonings to penetrate the meat.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the meat sauce, ensuring complete coating.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Remove skillet from heat and fold in sour cream for additional richness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
- Customize the pasta type to suit dietary needs, like whole wheat or gluten-free options for a healthier twist.
- Control spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or using a mild blend for sensitive palates.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.
- Swap ground meat with plant-based alternatives or black beans for a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg