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Speedy Cheesy Taco Pasta
Gotta tell you about this fantastic dinner that takes just 20 minutes. This Simple Melty Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese is total comfort food heaven. I adore how those pasta shells catch all that rich sauce while the spiced beef brings your favorite taco flavors right to your plate. It's become my go-to recipe when dinner time needs saving.
What Makes This Dish Special
Honestly this feels like tacos and cheesy pasta had a baby. It comes together super fast with stuff you've probably got in your pantry right now and you can tweak it to match what your family enjoys. Just what you need when life gets crazy and everyone's hungry.
Your Ingredient List
- The Catch: Medium or small pasta shells to grab that yummy sauce.
- The Protein: Lean ground beef for that hearty taste.
- The Flavor Kick: Whatever taco seasoning you've got works perfectly.
- The Silky Touch: Cream cheese for that unbeatable richness.
- The Melty Goodness: Your favorite shredded cheese blend.
- The Magic Maker: Water to create that smooth sauce texture.
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Cooking Your Taco Pasta
- Fire It Up
- Cook your pasta while browning the beef then drain off fat add your taco mix and water and let everything bubble together.
- Add Creaminess
- Chop your cream cheese and mix it into the hot beef until everything gets smooth and velvety.
- Finish Strong
- Stir in your drained pasta sprinkle cheese transfer to a dish add more cheese on top and bake until it bubbles.
Customize Your Creation
Don't be afraid to swap in different pasta shapes try ground turkey or kick up the heat with spicy seasoning. Sometimes I toss in some diced tomatoes colorful peppers or a can of black beans. Want it even better? Add a dollop of sour cream sprinkle of green onions or crunchy tortilla chips before serving.
Handling Extras
Any leftovers will stay good in your fridge for around 3 days just heat them up when hunger strikes. Want to plan ahead? It freezes great for up to 3 months just move it to your fridge the night before you want to enjoy it again.
Handy Cooking Insights
Any type of cream cheese does the job go with light if you're watching calories or full fat for extra creaminess. Got taco meat sitting in your fridge? Throw it in to make dinner even quicker. And yes you can definitely prep this earlier in the day and bake it when everyone's ready to eat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What pasta shape is best for this?
Small shells work nicely since they hold the sauce well, but you can easily swap in penne or rotini if you prefer.
- → Can I make this with lean ground beef?
Yes, leaner beef is fine! Keep in mind the sauce may not be as rich, but it’s still tasty.
- → How do I keep the cream cheese smooth?
Bring it to room temp and cut it into small pieces. Stir constantly while mixing it into the sauce to avoid clumps.
- → Is this good for meal prep?
Definitely! Store it for up to 3 days and reheat with a little milk to bring the creaminess back.
- → What extras can be added for variety?
Diced tomatoes, black beans, or corn make great additions. Top with fresh cilantro or crushed tortilla chips for a little more flair.