Description
This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta recipe combines the bold flavors of seasoned ground beef with tender pasta and melted cheese for a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or taco blend)
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later.
- Brown Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Drain Fat: Carefully drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving a small amount so the seasonings can cook without burning.
- Add Seasonings and Salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and about half a cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for approximately 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted and creamy, blending the dish into a gooey, cheesy delight.
- Optional Broil: For a golden bubbly finish, top with extra cheese and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer; rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work best to hold the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of water to get the desired sauce consistency.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy twist.
- For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers when browning the beef.
