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To make Cheesy Taco Pasta, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 8 oz elbow macaroni - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - Taco seasoning (1 oz packet) - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup beef or chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup corn (canned or frozen) - 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in creating this dish. The macaroni gives the meal its heartiness. Ground beef or turkey adds protein and flavor. Taco seasoning brings that classic taco taste. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add spice and moisture. Broth gives a rich base for the sauce. Cheese makes everything creamy and delicious. Corn and black beans add texture and color. Olive oil helps cook the meat. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. When you gather these ingredients, you set yourself up for a fun and tasty meal. Enjoy the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring salted water to boil. - Cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. The salt enhances the pasta's flavor. Once the water boils, add the elbow macaroni. Follow the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander and save a small cup of the pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later if needed. - Heat olive oil in the pot. - Brown ground beef or turkey. Next, keep the pot you used for the pasta on the heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the ground beef or turkey. Use a spoon to break the meat apart. Cook until it turns brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. - Incorporate taco seasoning and tomatoes. - Add broth, corn, and black beans. After the meat is browned, it's time to add the fun flavors. Stir in the taco seasoning to coat the meat well. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Pour in the beef or chicken broth, along with the corn and black beans. Mix everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors blend. - Fold in cooked macaroni. - Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water. Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully fold in the cooked macaroni. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated with the tasty mixture. If it looks too dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help create a nice, creamy sauce. - Gradually mix in shredded cheeses. - Stir until melted and creamy. Lower the heat to low. Start adding the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese bit by bit. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and becomes creamy. This step is where the magic happens, transforming your dish into cheesy taco goodness. - Garnish with cilantro or green onions. - Present in bowls with additional cheese. Once everything is mixed and creamy, remove the pot from the heat. Let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle. When serving, garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions. For an extra treat, sprinkle more cheese on top. Serve in bowls and enjoy this delightful meal! For the best cheesy taco pasta, remember to adjust the cooking time for the pasta. You want it to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. This gives the dish a nice texture. Also, save some of the pasta water before draining. If your sauce is too thick, that water can help loosen it up. To boost the flavor, consider adding jalapeños for some heat. This simple step creates a nice kick in every bite. You can also mix in bell peppers or onions. These veggies add color and a sweet crunch that pairs well with the dish. Serve your cheesy taco pasta in fun bowls. This makes it look inviting and appetizing. For a crunchy side, add some tortilla chips for dipping. To finish, use colorful garnishes like chopped cilantro or green onions. This adds freshness and makes your dish pop visually. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente. This will help maintain a nice texture when mixed with the cheesy sauce. Lean Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish, without sacrificing flavor. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Cheese Melting Tips: For a creamier sauce, add the cheese gradually while stirring over low heat to ensure it melts evenly without clumping. {{image_4}} If you want a vegetarian twist, you can easily swap the meat. Use lentils or mushrooms instead of ground beef or turkey. Lentils cook quickly and add protein. Mushrooms give a nice texture and umami flavor. For the broth, use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken. This keeps the dish tasty and meat-free. For a gluten-free version, switch to gluten-free pasta instead of elbow macaroni. Many brands offer great options that cook well. When you buy taco seasoning, check that it is gluten-free. Some store-bought brands add gluten. Making these changes keeps everyone happy. Cheese makes this dish extra special. While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can mix it up. Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick. Queso fresco adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the flavors. You can also sprinkle crumbled feta on top for a tangy twist. Each cheese brings its unique taste. After you make cheesy taco pasta, let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container. This dish lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to check the smell before eating. To freeze cheesy taco pasta, first let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, take it out and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. You have two choices to reheat cheesy taco pasta: microwave or stovetop. If you use the microwave, do it in short bursts. Stir it well between each burst. If you choose the stovetop, use a non-stick pan. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it creamy. Stir often to heat evenly. Enjoy your delicious meal! Yes, you can use other meats in this recipe. Ground turkey is a great lean option. You can also try ground chicken for a lighter meal. If you prefer a meatless dish, use lentils or mushrooms instead. Each option brings its own flavor and texture to the dish. Pair this cheesy taco pasta with simple side dishes. A fresh green salad works well. You can also serve tortilla chips for crunch. For a heartier side, try Mexican-style rice or refried beans. These options complement the pasta’s flavors nicely. To add heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy taco seasoning. Adding a few dashes of hot sauce will kick it up too. If you like smoky flavors, try smoked paprika. Each of these will enhance the dish's bold taste. You can create a dairy-free version easily. Use vegan cheese instead of regular cheese. For broth, choose vegetable broth or water. Adding nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the dish tasty and friendly for everyone. This cheesy taco pasta combines tasty ingredients like ground meat, spices, and cheese for a crowd-pleasing meal. You learned the steps to cook this dish, from boiling pasta to adding flavors. Remember, you can make substitutions to suit your taste or dietary needs. In the end, this meal offers flexibility and good flavor. It's easy to store and reheat, making it perfect for busy days. Try out different variations and enjoy your cooking! You will impress your family and friends.

Cheesy Taco Pasta Delight

A delicious and cheesy pasta dish with taco flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican-American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (15 oz)
  • 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  • 0.5 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, making sure to reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
  • Brown the Meat: In the same pot used for pasta, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it's browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season the meat lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Add Flavors: Once the meat is browned, stir in the taco seasoning until well coated. Next, add the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, corn, and black beans. Mix everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.
  • Combine with Pasta: When the mixture is simmering, carefully fold in the drained macaroni, ensuring all the ingredients are well incorporated. If the mixture seems a bit dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help combine.
  • Make it Cheesy: Lower the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the pasta is beautifully coated in the cheesy taco goodness.
  • Serve: Once everything is combined and creamy, remove the pot from the heat. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before tasting. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  • Garnish: Serve the cheesy taco pasta hot, garnished generously with freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions to add a burst of freshness.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve in individual bowls and sprinkle extra cheese on top before garnishing. Consider serving with tortilla chips for dipping.
Keyword cheesy, pasta, quick meal, taco