Description
Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender rotini pasta, salsa, and melted Mexican cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Rotini pasta
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 1 oz Taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 1/2 cups Salsa
Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Mexican cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large pot, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pot as needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season the beef: Add the taco seasoning and water to the cooked ground beef. Stir to combine and continue cooking until the water has evaporated and the seasoning is well absorbed into the meat.
- Combine pasta and salsa: Add the cooked pasta into the pot with the seasoned ground beef. Pour in the salsa and mix everything together thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
- Add cheese and serve: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese into the hot mixture until melted. Remove the pot from heat, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top, and allow it to melt before serving. Enjoy your cheesy taco pasta!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of salsa to your taste preference, adding more for a saucier pasta.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when adding salsa.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave.
- Using pre-shredded cheese saves prep time, but freshly shredded cheese melts better.
