Cheesy Taco Pasta
Cheesy Taco Pasta is a delightful fusion of creamy cheese and zesty taco flavors, transforming any weeknight meal into a festive occasion. This one-pot dish combines savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a melty cheese sauce to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or simply a cozy dinner night, this recipe promises to satisfy your cravings and bring smiles to the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red or yellow)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Push veggies aside and add ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned (6-8 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in taco seasoning, garlic, and diced tomatoes with juices; mix well.
- Reduce heat and add cream cheese until melted, then mix in cooked pasta until evenly coated.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese, cover briefly until melted (about 3 minutes).
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg