Description
Spicy cheesy taco pasta delivers a zesty Mexican-inspired dinner that combines comfort and excitement. Creamy noodles with seasoned ground beef create a quick family-friendly meal you can savor in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup diced onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, thoroughly browning ground beef until completely cooked through, then eliminate excess grease.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, salsa, and beef broth directly into the meat, then introduce uncooked pasta, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
- Elevate mixture to a rolling boil, immediately reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and allow pasta to cook for 10-12 minutes, intermittently stirring to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low, introducing cream cheese and cheddar cheese, gently stirring until both cheeses melt completely, creating a luxurious, smooth sauce that envelops the pasta.
- Carefully adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to ensure balanced flavor profile. Transfer to serving dishes and embellish with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of tangy sour cream for added complexity and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned to develop rich, deep flavors and eliminate any raw meat texture.
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning and broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely.
- For a healthier twist, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives without compromising taste.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and checking taco seasoning ingredients for hidden gluten sources.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg