Cheesy Taco Pasta

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Description
This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines pasta with taco-seasoned beef, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce. It’s a perfect fusion of two comfort food favorites: tacos and pasta, making for a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Origin
This recipe is a fun and delicious American twist on traditional taco ingredients, using pasta as the base. It’s part of the “casserole-style” comfort foods that combine familiar flavors in a new, easy-to-make dish.

Ingredients Quantity

For the taco pasta:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a lighter version)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 packet (1 oz or 28g) taco seasoning mix
  • 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or any pasta shape of choice
  • 1 can (10 oz or 280g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients Optional

  • 1 cup (150g) frozen corn or black beans for extra texture
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
  • Sour cream for topping
  • Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
  • Lime wedges for serving
  • Tortilla chips for extra crunch

Instruction

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Season the beef: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth, and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Make the cheesy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce becomes smooth. If you like, you can add frozen corn or black beans at this stage for extra flavor and texture.
  5. Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it is fully coated in the cheesy taco sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Serve the Cheesy Taco Pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and optional toppings like jalapeños or tortilla chips for extra crunch.

Tips of Success
For extra creaminess, you can add more heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese.
If you like it spicier, feel free to add more chili powder, hot sauce, or sliced jalapeños to the sauce.
For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for milk and use lean ground meat.

Recommendation
This Cheesy Taco Pasta is great on its own or served with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. It pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of iced tea, lemonade, or even a margarita for a taco-inspired meal.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
Calories: ~450
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 900mg

This Cheesy Taco Pasta is so easy to make and packed with delicious taco flavors! Let me know if you want to customize the recipe or make any changes. Enjoy!

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