Cheesy Taco Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the comforting essence of pasta with the vibrant flavors of taco seasonings. It is a hearty meal that can be prepared quickly and effortlessly.
Why We Love This Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
There are countless reasons to love Cheesy Taco Pasta, starting with its incredible taste. The melty cheeses mix beautifully with the savory beef, creating a rich, satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. This recipe is incredibly versatile; you can customize it to suit your preferences by adding various toppings or ingredients. Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, which makes it a fantastic option for busy nights after a long day. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or entertaining friends, Cheesy Taco Pasta never fails to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Pasta
To create this cheesy delight, you will need:
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 4 cups low sodium chicken or beef broth
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (mafald, fusilli, rotini, penne, mini shells, or elbow)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Taco Pasta Directions
Creating your own Cheesy Taco Pasta is simple and enjoyable. Follow these steps for a delicious meal that is sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Begin by adding the extra lean ground beef to a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the beef to brown slightly.
- Next, introduce the chopped onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes. You’ll want to ensure the onions soften and turn translucent, allowing their natural sweetness to emerge.
- Once the beef and onions are cooked, pour in the low sodium chicken or beef broth. Then, add the uncooked pasta and the enchilada sauce. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the ingredients well. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Allow it to cook for approximately 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, mix the mozzarella cheese with the cheddar cheese in a separate bowl. After the pasta is cooked through, add about 2 cups of this cheese mixture to the skillet and stir well. The cheeses will melt and enhance the dish’s overall creaminess.
- Once everything is incorporated, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the pasta for that extra gooey finish.
- Finally, garnish your Cheesy Taco Pasta with some chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve it immediately while it’s hot and bubbly, and enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Taco Pasta
When it comes to serving Cheesy Taco Pasta, there are a few delicious options to consider. You can serve it straight from the pan, ensuring that everyone can help themselves, or you can plate individual servings for a more polished presentation.
Pairing this dish with a simple side salad not only adds freshness but also balances the richness of the pasta. You might also consider offering toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream to add more flavor and texture to each serving.
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve the pasta in a bread bowl or alongside warm tortillas for a fun twist. This dish is best enjoyed warm, so make sure to dig in right away!
Expert Tips: Cheesy Taco Pasta
To elevate your Cheesy Taco Pasta to the next level, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Cheese Choices: While this recipe calls for mozzarella and cheddar, feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties. Pepper Jack cheese can add a spicy kick, while Monterey Jack offers a creamy texture.
- Customize the Heat: If you like it spicy, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or diced green chilies to the mix. On the flip side, you can tone things down by using mild taco seasoning.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version of Cheesy Taco Pasta, simply substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or any plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store the leftovers in an airtight container.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of chicken or beef broth to the pasta to help bring it back to its creamy consistency.
How to Store Cheesy Taco Pasta
Storing your Cheesy Taco Pasta properly ensures that you can enjoy the leftovers without losing flavor and texture. Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Your Cheesy Taco Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it in the microwave or stovetop, adding a bit of broth or water to help restore its creaminess.
Variations of Cheesy Taco Pasta
Cheesy Taco Pasta is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize and adapt it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few delicious variations you might consider:
- Protein Switch-Up: Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Alternatively, you could also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Incorporate more vegetables into your pasta for added nutrition. Diced bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or spinach are great options that blend well with the tacos’ flavor.
- Creamier Version: For an even creamier dish, add a block of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream to the pasta just before serving. This will enhance the richness of each bite.
- Taco Salad Twist: Transform the dish into a delightful taco salad by serving the Cheesy Taco Pasta over a bed of fresh greens and topping it with avocado slices and tortilla chips for crunch.
FAQ
What is Cheesy Taco Pasta?
Cheesy Taco Pasta is a delicious dish that combines pasta, ground beef, taco seasoning, and a creamy blend of cheeses for a hearty meal that is easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Can I make Cheesy Taco Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Taco Pasta ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
What types of pasta can I use for Cheesy Taco Pasta?
You can use various pasta types for this recipe, such as mafald, fusilli, rotini, penne, mini shells, or elbow macaroni. Choose your favorite!
How do I make Cheesy Taco Pasta vegetarian?
To make Cheesy Taco Pasta vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative while maintaining the rest of the ingredients.
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 4 cups low sodium chicken or beef broth
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (mafald, fusilli, rotini, penne, mini shells, or elbow)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by adding the extra lean ground beef to a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the beef to brown slightly.
- Next, introduce the chopped onion, minced garlic, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir everything together and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent.
- Once the beef and onions are cooked, pour in the low sodium chicken or beef broth, and add the uncooked pasta and enchilada sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Allow it to cook for approximately 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- While the pasta is cooking, mix the mozzarella cheese with the cheddar cheese in a separate bowl.
- After the pasta is cooked through, add about 2 cups of the cheese mixture to the skillet and stir well to melt the cheese.
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.