Description
Creamy cheesy taco pasta delivers a flavor explosion that merges Mexican-inspired zest with comforting pasta perfection. Bold spices and melted cheese create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Pasta and Liquid:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) water
Flavor and Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
- 1 cup (240 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) cream cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining any accumulated fat.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, water, and salsa into the meat, blending ingredients until well combined.
- Add uncooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to ensure even distribution with the meat mixture.
- Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, gently stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
- Lower heat and fold in cream cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the pasta and meat mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese throughout the skillet, stirring until completely integrated and creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Transfer to serving dishes, garnishing with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced green onions for added visual appeal and taste complexity.
Notes
- Cold leftovers can quickly transform into delightful next-day lunches, just reheat gently to maintain creamy texture.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier protein alternatives that keep the recipe’s bold flavors.
- Consider adding diced bell peppers or corn during cooking to boost vegetable content and create additional nutritional depth.
- For gluten-sensitive individuals, replace regular pasta with gluten-free rotini or penne to ensure recipe remains accessible and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg