Looking to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful blend of Mexican and Italian cuisine? Cheesy Taco Pasta is the perfect dish for you! This scrumptious fusion creation combines the zesty flavors of tacos with the creamy goodness of pasta. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply looking for a satisfying meal, this recipe will leave you craving for more. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to preparing Cheesy Taco Pasta, complete with a list of ingredients, instructions, and helpful tips. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your palate singing!
Ingredients:
For the Taco Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheesy Taco Pasta:
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the taco seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the taco seasoning blend.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic: Stir in the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Season with taco seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), diced green chilies, and chicken or beef broth. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Incorporate the pasta and cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it gently with the meat and sauce until well combined. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve the Cheesy Taco Pasta hot, and enjoy the mouthwatering combination of flavors!