Description

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta combines bold taco seasoning with creamy plant-based cheese and tender pasta, creating a vibrant, flavorful, and comforting one-pot meal. Packed with colorful veggies and a luscious sauce thickened by a natural gelling agent, this recipe is quick to prepare, family-friendly, and adaptable to various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

1 pound ground beef
8 ounces elbow pasta

Vegetables

1 cup diced bell peppers
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Liquids and Fats

2 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil

Creamy Elements and Thickeners

1 cup plant-based cheese (shredded)
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

Sauté the aromatics and beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat for a cleaner taste.
Introduce peppers and seasoning: Add diced bell peppers and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir well, allowing the spices to toast slightly and the peppers to soften for about 3-5 minutes to release their natural sweetness.
Build the sauce and cook pasta: Pour in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bring to a simmer, then add the pasta. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavorful sauce.
Incorporate cheese and natural gelling agent: Sprinkle in plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent, stirring continuously so the cheese melts into a creamy sauce that thickens beautifully around the noodles and beef mixture.
Final touches and serving: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or additional taco seasoning if desired. Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly before serving.

Notes

Stir often when cooking pasta in the sauce to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
Use freshly shredded plant-based cheese for the best creamy melt and flavor.
Add a tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of vegetable broth at the end to keep the sauce luscious.
Let the dish rest covered off the heat for a few minutes after cooking to enhance flavor melding.
Use a non-stick skillet for easier cleaning and better browning of the beef.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: taco pasta, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, plant-based cheese, one-pot meal, family dinner, quick dinner, taco seasoning pasta