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5-Ingredient Cheesy Taco Pasta

Cheesy Taco Pasta (5-Ingredient) Quick Family Dinner

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Cheesy Taco Pasta is a fast and flavorful weeknight meal that perfectly marries the comfort of creamy pasta with savory seasoned ground beef. Utilizing only five basic pantry staples, this dish is designed for busy schedules, delivering bold, satisfying flavors without the need for complex spice blends or lengthy prep time. It is a family-friendly favorite that achieves a rich, indulgent texture through quality protein and a blend of melted cheeses, ensuring a delicious dinner on the table in under twenty minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb Ground Beef (85/15 fat ratio)
8 oz Pasta (rotini or penne)
1 cup Shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Boil a large pot of water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of starchy cooking water.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
Season the beef generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and toss to combine.
Incorporate the shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese and the parmesan cheese into the skillet.
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the pasta is evenly coated.

Notes

For best melting results, shred your cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags which contain anti-caking agents. Adjust salt and pepper levels at the very end to suit your family’s taste preferences. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.