Description
This cheesy taco pasta combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy blend of cheeses for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner. It brings together bold taco flavors and rich pasta in one easy skillet meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz elbow macaroni or any short pasta
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to blend flavors.
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Mix in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
For a vegetarian version, use black beans or plant-based crumbles.
Add diced jalapenos, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for extra heat.
Use gluten-free pasta and certified gluten-free seasoning to make it gluten free.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg