Description
Zesty taco pasta blends Mexican and Italian cuisines into one delightful dish. Hearty noodles combine with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta (penne or shells)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
- Heat large skillet over medium-high temperature and brown ground beef, carefully eliminating excess grease.
- Introduce diced onions and chopped bell peppers to the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly tender.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, then incorporate salsa and beef broth, allowing the liquid to gently simmer and develop rich flavors.
- Reduce heat and fold in cream cheese, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Gently fold reserved pasta into the skillet, ensuring complete coating with the seasoned meat sauce.
- Gradually blend shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and integrated throughout the dish.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to balance flavors.
- Transfer to serving plates and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for added brightness and aroma.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or black beans to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
- Use whole wheat pasta to boost fiber content and add nutritional value to this comfort food classic.
- Adjust spice levels by choosing mild or hot salsa, or mixing different types to create your perfect flavor profile.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg