Description
Culinary magic happens when Mexican taco pasta mingles bold spices with creamy comfort. Hearty ground beef, zesty seasonings, and cheesy goodness create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 12 ounces (12 oz) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
Seasoning and Spice Ingredients:
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapenos
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Diced avocado or guacamole
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a vigorous boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, then carefully drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce ground beef, breaking it into crumbly fragments as it browns evenly. Incorporate finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture, creating an aromatic base. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth, stirring thoroughly to distribute the flavors and create a rich, robust sauce.
- Allow the mixture to gently simmer, letting the ingredients meld and intensify their taste profile. Fold in the previously cooked pasta, ensuring each strand is lovingly coated with the spicy sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and introduce creamy sour cream, stirring to create a luxurious texture. Scatter half of the shredded cheese throughout the dish, creating pockets of melty goodness.
- Crown the pasta with remaining cheese, allowing it to slowly melt and create an irresistible golden blanket. Optional: Embellish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or crunchy tortilla chip fragments for added excitement.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, inviting diners to dive into this vibrant, flavor-packed meal that marries the best of pasta and taco traditions.
Notes
- Select ground beef with a moderate fat content to ensure juicy, flavorful meat without excess grease.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and more authentic taste.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding extra jalapeños for spice enthusiasts.
- Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or quinoa pasta for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg