Description
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a flavorful, comforting one-pot Tex-Mex dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal, it brings together the best of taco flavors with creamy pasta in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Proteins
- 1 lb ground beef
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta shells or elbow macaroni
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco spice blend)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells or elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Combine Tomatoes and Sauce: Add the undrained diced tomatoes and tomato sauce to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Mix in Pasta and Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cooked pasta followed by the sour cream, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and everything is thoroughly combined.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions if preferred.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Leftovers reheat well and make convenient lunches or meal prep options.
