Cheesy Taco Pasta
A delightful blend of comforting taco flavors and creamy pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Pasta (any shape, such as penne or fusilli)
Meat
- 1 lb Ground Beef Can be substituted with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative.
Seasoning
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning The star of the show for classic taco flavor.
Dairy
- 8 oz Cream Cheese Adds velvety creaminess.
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese For melty goodness.
Veggies
- 1 medium Bell Peppers Optional, but adds crunch and color.
- 0.25 cup Chopped Cilantro For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking
- Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Once boiling, add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- If you're using bell peppers, toss them into the skillet along with the taco seasoning. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender and fragrant.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until it’s melted and everything is combined beautifully.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and fold everything together, allowing the pasta to soak up the delicious flavors.
- Sprinkle in the cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melty and evenly distributed.
Notes
For an extra cheesy crust, place the finished pasta under a broiler for a couple of minutes until bubbly and golden. You can also customize with additional proteins or veggies for variation.