Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
610 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta
Description
Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta brings together pasta cooked al dente with browned ground beef seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. The addition of red bell pepper adds mild sweetness and texture. Diced tomatoes with green chilies infuse subtle heat and acidity. Combining cheddar cheese and heavy cream creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and beef mixture.
The flavor profile balances spicy, savory, and creamy elements, offering a comforting yet lively eating experience. The use of individual spices rather than a pre-mixed seasoning allows for control over the flavor balance. This dish delivers a satisfying melting pot of textures from tender pasta, hearty beef, and soft peppers.
It can be garnished with chopped scallions or cilantro to introduce fresh herbal notes. Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta serves well as a standalone main course and can be prepared in about 30 minutes for convenience. Substitutes like pre-made taco seasoning are available for streamlined prep.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta uncooked
- 1 pound ground beef extra lean
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 (10 fluid ounce) diced tomatoes with green chilies with juices, Ro-tel brand, canned
- 1 cup cheddar cheese I used sharp cheddar, grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- scallion chopped, for garnish, optional
- cilantro chopped, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Boil a salted pot of water for your pasta. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, prep your other ingredients and start browning the beef with the spices over medium-high heat in a skillet (approx. 8-10 minutes). Add the red pepper once the meat is broken up a bit and starts to brown.
- If you didn't use very lean ground beef, drain most of the excess fat. Add the Rotel tomatoes, cheese, and the cream. Cook for a few more minutes.
- Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce. Season with salt & pepper and garnish as desired.
Notes
- Pre-made taco seasoning can be used in place of the individual spices for convenience.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 610 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 610kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 41g | 82% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 16g | 80% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 141mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 307mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 802mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 2115IU | 42% |
| Vitamin C | 26mg | 29% |
| Calcium | 281mg | 28% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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