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Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe with Zesty Seasoned Ground Beef

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A quick and easy creamy taco pasta featuring zesty seasoned ground beef and a rich, tangy sauce made with cream cheese and sour cream. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream (full-fat)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth or water
  • Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
  3. Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and the beef is fully cooked.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the beef. Stir to combine and toast spices lightly for about 1 minute.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add softened cream cheese and sour cream to the skillet. Stir gently until cheeses melt into the beef, creating a creamy mixture. Gradually pour in ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, stirring constantly until smooth.
  6. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Add cooked pasta back into the skillet, tossing gently to coat with sauce. Add more broth or pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or jalapeño slices if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness when mixed with sauce. Soften cream cheese before adding to prevent lumps. Adjust seasoning gradually as cheese adds saltiness. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce and help it cling to pasta. Browning beef without stirring too often develops better flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy taco pasta, ground beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, taco seasoning pasta, creamy pasta recipe, zesty pasta, family dinner, quick pasta recipe

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-taco-pasta-recipe-with-zesty-seasoned-ground-beef-easy-and-delicious/