Creamy Ground Beef Taco Pasta
If you’re on the hunt for a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the best of two beloved worlds—tacos and pasta—then look no further than this Creamy Ground Beef Taco Pasta. This dish is everything you crave: creamy, cheesy, and packed with a savory punch from the taco seasoning. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re in the mood for a hearty meal that the whole family will love. Let’s dive into the delightful details of this recipe!
Why This Recipe Is Reliable
This Creamy Ground Beef Taco Pasta is a reliable choice for several reasons. First, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for those hectic evenings. Second, it’s incredibly versatile; you can use any type of pasta you have on hand, whether it be radiatore, shells, or bowtie. Finally, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser; it’s packed with flavor and creamy goodness that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. You can prepare it with ease and feel confident that it will turn out delicious every time.
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Use 3 cups of uncooked pasta such as radiatore, shells, or bowtie. The shape of the pasta helps capture the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Ground Beef: 1 lb of lean ground beef is essential for a hearty base. Feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Red Bell Pepper: A medium red bell pepper, diced, adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- Onion: A medium onion, diced, gives depth to the flavor profile.
- Garlic: 2 tsp of minced garlic enhances the aroma and taste.
- Taco Seasoning: ½ cup of taco seasoning brings that classic taco flavor to the dish.
- Salt: 1 tsp of salt balances all the flavors.
- Butter: 3 tbsp of butter creates a rich base for the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: ½ cup of flour thickens the creamy sauce.
- Beef Broth: 2 cups of low sodium beef broth adds moisture and flavor.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp of tomato paste deepens the flavor and adds richness.
- sour Cream: 1 cup of sour cream gives the dish its creamy texture.
- Mexican Cheese Blend: 1 cup of shredded Mexican 3 cheese blend adds gooey cheesiness.
Cook’s Kit
- Large Pot: For boiling pasta and combining ingredients.
- Skillet: For cooking the beef and sautéing vegetables.
- Wooden Spoon: To mix and stir ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Colander: To drain the cooked pasta.
Creamy Ground Beef Taco Pasta, Made Easy
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of 3 cups of uncooked pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Season with ½ cup of taco seasoning and 1 tsp of salt. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle ½ cup of all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Gradually pour in 2 cups of low sodium beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and mix well until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of sour cream. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the pasta and stir until melted. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes if desired.
Substitutions by Diet
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegetarian: Replace ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans.
- Dairy-Free: Use cashew cream or coconut cream instead of sour cream and a dairy-free cheese blend.
- Low-Carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Learn from These Mistakes
- Don’t skip draining the pasta thoroughly; excess water can dilute the creamy sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the beef; it should be browned and cooked through but not dry.
- Always stir the flour into the beef mixture before adding liquids to prevent lumps.
- Adjust the taco seasoning according to your spice preference; you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out!
Prep Ahead & Store
This Creamy Ground Beef Taco Pasta can be prepped ahead of time. Cook the pasta and prepare the beef mixture, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, combine them and heat through.
For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to revive the creaminess.
Reader Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese you like. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would work well for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and pasta ahead of time. Just combine and heat when you’re ready to serve.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spiciness depends on the taco seasoning you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, look for a mild taco seasoning blend or adjust the quantity to your liking.
What can I serve with this pasta?
This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or even some tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast.
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Bring It Home
This Creamy Ground Beef Taco Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. Its creamy texture and robust flavors make it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy night in, you can count on this recipe to deliver comfort and joy. So, gather your ingredients and let the cooking begin—trust us, this is one pasta dish you won’t want to miss!
Creamy Ground Beef Taco Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of 3 cups of uncooked pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add 1 lb of lean ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Season with ½ cup of taco seasoning and 1 tsp of salt. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of all-purpose flour over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Gradually pour in 2 cups of low sodium beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and mix well until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of sour cream. Mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the pasta and stir until melted. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro or diced tomatoes if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
