CHEESY BEEF TACO PASTA – Page 2

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the beef.
Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning along with 1/4 cup of water (or beef broth). Mix well to coat the beef evenly with the seasoning. Let it simmer for about 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Boil the Pasta: While the beef is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, make sure to save a cup of pasta water. You can use this to adjust the consistency of your sauce later if needed.

Add the Tomatoes: Add the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine.
Stir in the Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add it to the pan. Stir until the cream cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
Mix in the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the cheesy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Add the Cheddar: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt completely, creating a gooey, cheesy coating on the pasta.
Stir in the Sour Cream: Add sour cream to the pasta and mix until it’s fully incorporated into the sauce, giving it a rich, tangy flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra taco seasoning if desired.

Serve Hot: Spoon the Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta onto plates or into bowls and serve immediately. Top with optional garnishes like chopped green onions, cilantro, or additional shredded cheese.
Optional Toppings: For an extra burst of taco flavor, you can add chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.

Make It Spicy: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños to the beef while it’s cooking, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Vegetarian Version: For a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with a can of black beans or pinto beans for a hearty, protein-packed alternative.
Add Extra Veggies: Sneak in some extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the beef mixture to boost the nutrition without compromising flavor.
Use Leftover Meat: This is a great recipe to use up leftover taco meat or even grilled chicken. Just toss it in the sauce and pasta, and you’re good to go.

If you have leftovers (which is rare with such a delicious dish), here’s how to store and reheat your Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta:

Cool Down: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing.
Store: Place the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Since Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a rich and savory dish, consider pairing it with:

A Simple Salad: A fresh side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: Serve it alongside some crispy garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Cold Drink: A cold, refreshing beverage like iced tea or a light beer pairs wonderfully with the cheesy pasta.