Description
Taco Pasta combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comfort of pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a zesty taco seasoning, this one-pot dish is a quick, satisfying, and customizable meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work great)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Optional toppings: Sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, salsa, or additional cheese
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Add the creaminess: Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheese, letting it melt into the mixture for a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and let it melt for 2-3 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and any additional toppings you like, such as diced avocado, salsa, or jalapeños. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For extra spice, increase the taco seasoning or add chopped jalapeños.
- Use a variety of cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add beans and veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg