Description
This Taco Pasta recipe combines the bold flavors of a classic taco with comforting cheesy pasta for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and taco seasoning, then simmered in a tomato and beef broth sauce before being mixed with pasta and melted cheddar cheese. Finished with sour cream and fresh cilantro, this dish is a delightful fusion of American and Mexican cuisines that’s perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Dry and Canned Goods
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Reduce heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted fully into the hot mixture.
- Finish with sour cream and cilantro: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in sour cream and chopped cilantro for creamy richness and fresh flavor. Serve warm immediately.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken to make a leaner version of this dish.
- Incorporate black beans or corn for added texture and nutritional boost.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to suit your spice preference, adding less for milder flavors.
