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Cheesy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef and Veggies Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

This cheesy taco pasta blends the bold flavors of classic tacos into a hearty, healthy pasta dish. Featuring lean ground beef, colorful veggies, and a zesty taco seasoning sauce, it’s finished with melted cheddar cheese and lime juice for a satisfying and family-friendly meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta

Meat and Veggies

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup diced onion (120 grams)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 preferred)
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 2 cups diced bell peppers (240 grams)

Sauce and Cheese

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (3.5 ounces, or more to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings (optional)

  • Lime juice
  • Sour cream
  • Greek yogurt
  • Avocado
  • Salsa
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  2. Brown Meat and Sauté Veggies: While pasta water is heating, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until hot, about 30 seconds. Add diced onions with a pinch of salt and pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon or meat chopper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then stir in taco seasoning and diced bell peppers. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until meat is fully browned and peppers have softened, about 3-5 more minutes.
  3. Make the Sauce: Add tomato paste and fire-roasted diced tomatoes to the skillet, stirring well to incorporate and break up the tomato paste. The mixture should become saucy; if it’s too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving additional pasta water if needed. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce along with about 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to keep the dish saucy. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  5. Add Cheese and Lime: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add lime juice and stir once more. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Portion out the taco pasta onto plates and top with your favorite optional toppings such as extra lime juice, sour cream, Greek yogurt, avocado slices, fresh salsa, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For a saucier taco pasta, increase the amount of tomato paste, fire-roasted tomatoes, or add some beef broth.
  • Make sure to break up the tomato paste well when adding it to the skillet to ensure even distribution.
  • You can save some shredded cheese to sprinkle on top before serving.
  • Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and keep the dish healthier.
  • Try swapping bell peppers for other vegetables like zucchini or corn for variation.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/cheesy-taco-pasta-with-ground-beef-and-veggies-recipe/