Description
A hearty and flavorful cheesy beef taco pasta that combines ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, black beans, corn, and melted cheddar cheese for a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta (rotini or shells work best)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade seasoning)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add seasonings and salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and water into the beef mixture. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Add beans and corn: Fold in the drained black beans and frozen corn, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine pasta and cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cooked pasta and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the pasta mixture is creamy and well mixed.
- Season to taste and serve: Taste the pasta and add salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa variety.
- Stir in cream cheese or sour cream for a creamier texture if preferred.
- This dish is excellent for leftovers and meal prepping, as flavors deepen overnight.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
