Description
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines tender pasta with savory ground beef seasoned with taco spices, tomatoes, and creamy cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this Mexican-inspired recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional pasta with a cheesy, zesty flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
- Season the beef mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to vary protein options.
- For extra heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great lunch the next day.
