Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta

1. Preparing the Ingredients:

1. Dice the Onion and Mince the Garlic: Begin by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Set aside.

2. Cooking the Beef:

2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Drain Fat: If there is excess fat in the skillet, drain it off.

3. Adding Flavor:

5. Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, making sure the beef is evenly coated. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
6. Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the liquid), beef broth, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine.

4. Cooking the Pasta:

7. Add Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
8. Simmer: Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Final Touches:

9. Add Corn and Beans (Optional): If using, stir in the frozen corn and black beans. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
10. Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the pasta.

6. Serving:

11. Serve: Spoon the Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta into bowls.
12. Garnish: Top with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeños, as desired.

Tips for Success:

• Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Pasta Shape: Choose a pasta shape that will hold the sauce well, such as rotini, penne, or shells.
• Cheese: For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese along with the shredded cheese.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot diced tomatoes with green chilies and adding more or fewer jalapeños.

Conclusion:

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a delightful fusion of two beloved dishes, combining the flavors of a beef taco with the comfort of cheesy pasta. This dish is easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Follow this recipe to create a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the comforting and cheesy goodness of this delicious pasta dish!