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CHEESY TACO CREAM CHEESE PASTA

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Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

This Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that combines taco-seasoned beef with creamy pasta, topped with melted cheese. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that will please the whole family.

Ingredients

  • ¾ bag of ziti noodles (about 12 oz)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 package taco seasoning
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ package cream cheese (about 4 oz)
  • 1½ cups grated cheese (cheddar or a blend of Mexican cheeses work great)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add Taco Seasoning

  • Add the taco seasoning and 1 cup of water to the cooked ground beef. Stir to combine and let simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the seasoning to fully blend into the beef.

4. Incorporate the Cream Cheese

  • Add ½ package of cream cheese to the beef mixture and stir until fully melted and incorporated into the beef. Once the cream cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat.

5. Combine Pasta and Cheese

  • In a baking dish, add the cooked pasta and mix in 1 cup of grated cheese. Toss the pasta and cheese together until evenly combined.

6. Layer the Beef Mixture

  • Spoon the beef mixture over the pasta and cheese in the baking dish. Gently toss to combine, ensuring the beef mixture is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

7. Top with More Cheese

  • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of grated cheese over the top of the pasta and beef mixture.

8. Bake

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pasta dish uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
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9. Serve and Enjoy!

  • Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed while hot and cheesy!

Tips for the Best Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta

Customize the Cheese

  • You can use a variety of cheeses in this dish. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all great options. For an extra kick, try adding some pepper jack.

Add Extra Veggies

  • For a little more nutrition, you can stir in some sautéed bell peppers, onions, or corn into the beef mixture before baking.

Make It Spicy

  • If you like a little heat, try adding some chili powder or hot sauce to the taco seasoning, or top the pasta with sliced jalapeños before baking.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pasta and beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate the assembled dish for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply place it in the oven and cook until heated through and the cheese is melted.

What other pasta can I use?

Ziti works great for this recipe, but you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. The goal is to use a pasta that holds up well to the creamy beef sauce.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a fusion of two comfort food favorites: tacos and cheesy pasta. The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that blends perfectly with the taco-seasoned beef, while the melted cheese on top ties it all together. This is a family-friendly, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights!

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