Description
Mouthwatering cheesy beef taco pasta blends Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting pasta perfection. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings create a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies deep cravings and brings family together at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water at medium-high heat until perfectly tender, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high temperature, cook ground beef until completely browned and crumbly, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Eliminate excess grease from beef, then incorporate finely chopped onions and crushed garlic. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over beef mixture, stirring vigorously to distribute evenly. Pour diced tomatoes and beef broth into skillet.
- Reduce heat and allow sauce to gently simmer, letting flavors meld together for 5-6 minutes. Liquid should slightly reduce and thicken.
- Introduce cooked pasta into skillet, gently folding ingredients to ensure uniform coating and distribution of beef and sauce.
- Generously scatter shredded cheese across pasta surface. Cover skillet momentarily, permitting cheese to melt completely and create creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro, dollop of sour cream, and sliced jalapeños for extra zest.
Notes
- Pasta Selection: Choose a short pasta like rotini or penne for better sauce clinging and easier eating experience.
- Fat Management: Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, lighter dish.
- Seasoning Boost: Use homemade taco seasoning for more complex, fresh flavor compared to packaged mixes.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg