Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick, delicious, and comforting dish that combines the flavors of tacos with creamy, cheesy pasta. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love! You can use ground beef or ground turkey as the base and mix in taco seasonings, then add pasta and cheese to create a hearty, cheesy meal.Here’s a simple recipe for Cheesy Taco Pasta:
Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite type)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Mexican cheese)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 small onion, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Meat:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion (if using) and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Taco Seasoning:
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. If you like a little more heat, you can add some chili powder or cayenne pepper at this stage.
- Add Salsa and Sour Cream:
- Once the meat mixture is well-seasoned, stir in the salsa and sour cream. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and combined. If you’re adding corn or black beans, stir them in now.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the taco meat mixture. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce. Let it simmer for another minute to allow the flavors to combine.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the pasta and stir until it melts and becomes creamy. If you like extra cheesy pasta, feel free to add more cheese to taste.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an added kick.
- Optional Toppings:
- Serve with additional sour cream, salsa, avocado, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Tips:
- Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach to the taco meat mixture for added nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: For a spicier dish, add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to the sauce, or top the pasta with spicy salsa.
- Use a Different Protein: Ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based protein can be used in place of beef for a different flavor or dietary preference.
This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults! Enjoy!