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A close-up of a cheesy beef taco pasta dish garnished with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, served in a large skillet.

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta


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  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful one-pot pasta dish combining seasoned ground beef, zesty taco flavors, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb lean ground beef
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
1 tbsp chili powder
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
12 oz uncooked pasta (e.g., rotini, penne, elbow macaroni)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish)
Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Crushed tortilla chips (for garnish)


Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté for another 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2: Stir in taco seasoning mix and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices. Pour in diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Step 3: Add uncooked pasta to the simmering liquid. Stir well to ensure all pasta is submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy. If using, add black beans and frozen corn; stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced green onions, and crushed tortilla chips. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning or a diced jalapeño. For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of cream cheese at the end. This dish is fantastic for meal prep!

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Pasta & Noodles
  • Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg
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