Description
This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a delightful fusion of classic taco flavors and creamy pasta comfort. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices, combined with diced tomatoes, corn, and a rich cheese sauce, creates a hearty and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Easy to prepare and loaded with delicious ingredients, this dish offers a satisfying and kid-friendly twist on taco night.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces of rotini pasta
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 pound of ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (1 ounce)
- 1 cup of beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it’s translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Brown Meat: Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Season Meat: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat and stir to combine.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their liquid). Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Corn and Cream: Add the corn kernels and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Melt Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy taco sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated thoroughly.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- For a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated but may need extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce upon reheating.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if necessary.
- Leftover taco pasta makes great leftovers and tastes excellent the next day.
