Description
Spicy taco pasta blends Mexican and Italian cuisines into one delightful comfort meal. Creamy cheese, seasoned ground beef, and zesty spices create a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hearty appetites.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
Liquids and Sauces:
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups beef broth
Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapenos
- Green onions
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, sauté ground beef and onions until meat is completely browned and onions turn translucent, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess grease from the skillet, then return to heat and introduce taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, salsa, and beef broth, allowing the mixture to gently simmer.
- Incorporate uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, thoroughly mixing to ensure even coating with liquid. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, cooking for 12-14 minutes while stirring intermittently.
- Verify pasta tenderness and confirm most liquid has been absorbed during cooking process.
- Remove skillet from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring until cheese completely melts and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or chopped green onions for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing flavor profile.
- Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier, lower-fat version that still delivers bold taco-inspired taste.
- Choose a high-quality taco seasoning or create a homemade blend to control sodium levels and customize the spice intensity to your preference.
- For a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles, maintaining the recipe’s hearty texture and zesty character.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg