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To make Cheesy Taco Pasta, gather these key ingredients: - 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works best) - 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter dish) - 1 packet taco seasoning (or make your own blend) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained if canned) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend) - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Optional: diced jalapeños (for extra heat) You can easily swap some ingredients to fit your taste: - Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. - Skip the cream cheese and use Greek yogurt for a tangy touch. - If you don’t have black beans, try kidney beans or pinto beans. - Use a different cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. - Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish. Make your Cheesy Taco Pasta even more special with these add-ins: - Add diced bell peppers or onions for extra crunch and flavor. - Top with avocado slices for creaminess. - Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for a crunchy finish. - Serve with sour cream or guacamole for extra richness. - Add a squeeze of lime for a fresh zing. These choices let you personalize your dish and make it your own. Enjoy the fun of creating! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 ounces of pasta, which can be penne or rotini. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente texture, which means it should be firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart while it cooks. Stir until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Season it with salt and pepper for a little extra flavor. After browning the meat, it’s time to mix in the fun stuff. Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning. Then, add 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, including the juices. Next, toss in 1 can of black beans, rinsed, and 1 cup of corn. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This step helps the flavors meld together nicely. Once your mixture simmers, grab 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Add it to the skillet and stir continuously. Keep stirring until the cream cheese melts and mixes into the sauce. This will give your dish a rich and creamy texture. Now, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta gets that delicious flavor. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir it in until the cheese melts completely. If you like it extra hot, cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more spices if needed. When ready to serve, scoop the Cheesy Taco Pasta into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color. For those who enjoy a little heat, add diced jalapeños on top. Serve it hot and enjoy this cheesy, comforting delight! To cook pasta just right, start with a big pot of boiling water. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. I like to use penne or rotini for this dish. These shapes hold the sauce well. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Aim for al dente. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. Drain it well and avoid rinsing. Rinsing can wash away the starch, which helps the sauce stick. To boost the flavor, try using homemade taco seasoning. It’s simple to make. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mix adds a fresh taste. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice at the end. This brightens the dish and adds a nice zing. For more depth, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika. It gives a subtle smokiness that pairs well with the other flavors. For a cheesy kick, use a blend of cheeses. Mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack or pepper jack creates a rich flavor. Add the cheese in stages as you cook. This helps it melt smoothly into the sauce. If you crave extra creaminess, stir in more cream cheese. For an even cheesier dish, top it with crumbled queso fresco or extra shredded cheese before serving. This adds a lovely finish and makes the dish feel indulgent. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavors of your dish. Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by adding more or less taco seasoning or including fresh jalapeños based on your preference. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as pepper jack or Monterey Jack, for added flavor and creaminess. Make Ahead: Prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat for a quick and easy meal during busy days. {{image_4}} You can make a fun vegetarian version of this dish. Instead of ground beef, use 1 pound of lentils or a mix of chopped mushrooms and bell peppers. Lentils pack a protein punch, while mushrooms add a nice texture. Keep the taco seasoning for flavor. Don’t forget the black beans and corn! They add great taste and color. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This makes your cheesy taco pasta just as tasty without meat. If you love heat, add jalapeños to spice things up! Start by dicing 1-2 jalapeños and add them when you brown the meat. This way, the spicy flavor blends well with the dish. If you want even more heat, use diced pickled jalapeños as a garnish. They add a tangy kick and contrast nicely with the creamy sauce. Just remember to adjust the spices in the taco seasoning if you like it extra hot! To make a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many types available, like rice or quinoa pasta. They cook nicely and taste great. Ensure the taco seasoning is gluten-free, too. Most brands are, but always check the label. You can still enjoy all the cheesy goodness with this option. Don't worry, it will still be creamy and delicious! To reheat Cheesy Taco Pasta, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. Store leftover Cheesy Taco Pasta in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This helps prevent condensation. You can also separate portions to make reheating easier. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. In the fridge, Cheesy Taco Pasta lasts for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your comforting dish again! Yes, you can. Ground turkey or chicken works well. They are lighter choices. You can also use plant-based meat for a meatless option. Each option gives a unique taste. To make Cheesy Taco Pasta vegetarian, swap the meat for diced mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the flavor while being meat-free. Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Cook the pasta and meat mixture, then store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat and add cheese. This saves time on busy days. Many sides go well with this dish. Here are some great options: - Tortilla chips for crunch - A fresh green salad for balance - Mexican corn on the cob for sweetness - Guacamole for creaminess These sides enhance the meal and make it more fun! This blog post covered everything you need for Cheesy Taco Pasta. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. You learned how to make this dish creamy and cheesy. I also shared variations for dietary needs and storage tips. Now, it’s time to make your own version! Experiment with flavors and enjoy sharing this meal. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Taco Pasta Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with a taco twist, featuring ground beef, black beans, and plenty of cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 15 oz black beans, rinsed and well-drained
  • 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • to taste fresh cilantro, chopped
  • optional diced jalapeños

Instructions
 

  • Begin by boiling a pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper for added flavor.
  • Once the meat is thoroughly cooked, stir in the taco seasoning. Then add the diced tomatoes (including their juices), rinsed black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the softened cream cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
  • Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and mix in the cooked pasta. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and incorporates into the dish.
  • Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices according to your taste preferences.
  • Dish out the Cheesy Taco Pasta while it's hot. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro and sprinkle diced jalapeños on top.

Notes

Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch.
Keyword beef, cheesy, easy, pasta, taco