Description
Spicy Mexican-inspired taco pasta delivers a flavor-packed culinary adventure that blends comfort and zest. Hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and bold seasonings create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
Pasta and Toppings:
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and coat all ingredients.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Add water and uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches al dente texture.
- Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese and sour cream, stirring until cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting taco seasoning intensity or adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
- Use whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and create a more fiber-rich meal that feels equally satisfying.
- Pre-shredded cheese tends to melt less smoothly, so grate fresh cheese directly from a block for superior creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg