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+ servings
recipe image of a realistic top down mise en place shot showing uncooked pasta ground beef salsa and cheese arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
adam saha

Cheesy Taco Pasta

A comforting and easy-to-make Cheesy Taco Pasta that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the creamy satisfaction of pasta. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Ground Beef 90% lean
  • 12 oz Pasta medium shells or rotini
  • 1 Yellow Onion finely minced
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup Beef Broth
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 cup Cheese sharp cheddar or Mexican blend, grated
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes Ro-Tel or similar

Equipment

  • Large skillet,
  • Wooden Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spatula to break it into small crumbles. Cook until the beef is browned and the excess fat is drained away.
  2. Add the chopped onions to the skillet. Cook until they turn translucent and golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat. Stir well to coat. Pour in a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Add the remaining beef broth and the canned tomatoes to the skillet. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the pasta. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream. This will transform the liquid into a silky sauce. Fold in half of the cheese, allowing it to melt into the pasta.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the surface. Cover the skillet for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or crunchy jalapeños. Serve directly from the skillet.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 30g

Notes

This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat by adding a tablespoon of milk or water to the bowl before microwaving to prevent the pasta from drying out.
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