Description
This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a deliciously comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef with tender pasta, creamy melted cheese, and vibrant salsa flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers the zestiness of taco seasoning with the heartiness of pasta, topped off with gooey cheese for an irresistible meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb ground beef
Dry Goods
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or taco blend)
Others
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat: Carefully drain off most of the fat from the skillet, leaving a small amount to help cook the seasonings and enhance flavor.
- Add seasonings and salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and about ½ cup of water. Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the beef sauce. Gently stir to combine everything evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta and beef mixture. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and creates a creamy, rich texture throughout the dish.
- Optional broiling: For a bubbly, golden cheesy top, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy beef taco pasta hot. Optionally, garnish with sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef if preferred.
- Use low-fat cheese to reduce fat content.
- Adjust the water amount as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Adding diced onions or bell peppers when browning the beef adds extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
