Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this mouthwatering Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta! Imagine a perfect fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors and classic comfort food, where tender ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and melted cheese come together in one irresistible skillet. This recipe isn't just a meal—it's a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds and your dinner guests wondering how you became such a culinary genius.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup pasta
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup pasta, 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 cup shredded cheese, 1 can diced tomatoes, and 2 cups beef broth.
- In a large skillet or pot, heat a medium-high flame. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and add the taco seasoning to the beef. Stir well to combine, allowing the seasoning to coat the meat evenly.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet, followed by the 2 cups of beef broth. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well mixed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the 1 cup of pasta. Stir to combine and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become gooey.
- After the cheese has melted, gently stir the mixture to combine the melted cheese with the pasta and beef.
- Serve the Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños, if desired.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 blend) to ensure juiciness.
- Don't skip draining the excess fat after browning the beef—this prevents your dish from becoming greasy.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- For extra creaminess, try using a blend of cheeses like cheddar and monterey jack.
- Want to kick it up a notch? Add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated with a splash of beef broth to restore moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
