If you love tacos and pasta, this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Packed with seasoned beef, creamy melted cheese, and a kick of Rotel, it’s a quick and hearty meal the who…
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
If you love tacos and pasta, then Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. This dish brings together two comfort food favorites into one delicious meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. It’s packed with seasoned beef, creamy melted cheese, and a bit of spice, making it a hearty option for busy weeknight dinners. Plus, it only takes a little time to prepare, which is always a bonus!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is not just a great meal; it is a fun and flavorful combination of two dishes you may already love. The creamy cheese brings comfort, while the taco seasoning adds a zesty kick. It’s an easy recipe that the whole family will enjoy. If you have kids, they will love eating this fun twist on classic flavors. You can customize this dish to suit your taste, making it a versatile recipe that you will want to make over and over again.
How to Prepare Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
Cooking Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is simple, and you don’t need fancy cooking skills to make it. Here’s how you can create this delightful dish in no time.
Ingredients
To make Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces of pasta (like macaroni or penne)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10 ounces) Ro*Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- ½ cup cream cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, or extra cheese
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta:
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. When the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it is browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. This will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat.
Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the seasoning.
Mix in Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and add the Ro*Tel diced tomatoes. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This makes the beef extra flavorful.
Add Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small pieces and stir it into the beef mixture. Cook until the cream cheese melts and blends in nicely. This adds a delicious creaminess to the dish.
Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the cheesy beef mixture.
Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Allow it to sit for a minute until the cheese melts.
Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and add salt and pepper if needed.
Serve: Your Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is ready to be served!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. You can serve it right from the skillet for a cozy meal. Consider offering some optional toppings on the side, like chopped green onions, sour cream, and extra shredded cheese. These toppings can enhance the dish and allow everyone to customize their servings to their liking.
How to Store Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
If you have leftovers (which might be hard to believe because it’s so tasty!), you can store Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat it in the microwave or in a pot on the stove. Just add a little bit of water or broth to loosen it up if it seems too thick.
Tips for Preparing Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
Here are some tips to ensure your Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta turns out perfect:
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be careful not to overcook your pasta, as it will cook a bit more when mixed with the beef sauce. Al dente pasta works best for this dish.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. It will still taste great!
Add More Veggies: For added nutrition, consider mixing in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the beef mixture.
Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add some jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Use Different Cheeses: You can experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.
Variations
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is versatile, and you can customize it based on your preferences. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for black beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Taco Salad Style: Serve the Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta on a bed of lettuce and add toppings like salsa, diced tomatoes, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips.
- Baked Version: After mixing in the cheese, transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta ahead of time. Just follow all the steps, let it cool, and store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Reheat in a pan or the microwave.Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy cheese and tasty beef make it a hit with kids. You can adjust the spiciness by controlling how much taco seasoning and Ro*Tel you add.What can I serve with Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta?
This dish is filling on its own, but you can serve it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The entire preparation and cooking time takes about 30-40 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for a weeknight dinner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a delightful mashup that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comforting goodness of pasta. This dish is easy to prepare, perfect for any family gathering, and sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich cheese and seasoned beef, it’s truly a comfort food favorite that you can enjoy time and time again. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious meal! Enjoy!
