Description
This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a quick and delicious fusion dish combining tender, seasoned ground beef with perfectly cooked pasta and melty cheese. Blended with zesty salsa and taco seasoning, this hearty skillet meal is perfect for a family dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it hot and garnish with your favorite toppings for added flavor and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup water (as needed)
Cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or taco blend)
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheese for broiling
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is fully browned and no longer pink inside.
- Drain excess fat: Carefully drain off most of the fat from the skillet, leaving a small amount to help cook the seasonings.
- Add seasoning and salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and water. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Gently stir to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Incorporate cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese into the pasta and beef mixture. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Optional broiling: For a bubbly and golden top, transfer the skillet to a broiler-safe dish or leave in the oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle extra cheese on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro to add freshness and extra flavor.
Notes
- Use any shape of pasta you prefer; pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work best to hold the sauce.
- Adjust water quantity to control the sauce thickness as desired.
- For a spicier kick, add extra taco seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- The dish can be made ahead and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that taco seasoning is gluten-free.
