Guess what? We’re making that crazy good dish for the third time.
This creamy and flavorful pasta dish combines the comfort of classic mac and cheese with the bold taste of tacos. The creamy cream cheese sauce, combined with the tangy salsa and the spicy taco seasoning, creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz |
| Salsa | ½ cup |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Pasta | 1 lb |
| Reserved pasta water | ½ cup |
| Fresh cilantro or green onions | For garnish (optional) |
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water, mixing well to coat the beef in the seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cream cheese and salsa: Reduce the heat to low, then add the cream cheese and salsa to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the taco meat, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the cheesy taco cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Add shredded cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your cheesy taco pasta!
