Description
Mexican-inspired cheesy taco cream cheese pasta delivers bold flavors in one comforting dish. Creamy textures and zesty seasonings combine for a simple weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 3/4 bag ziti noodles
- 1/2 package cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheese
Seasoning:
- 1 package taco seasoning
Liquid:
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook ziti noodles until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef, breaking into small crumbles. Drain excess fat completely.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over beef and pour in water. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
- Reduce heat to low and introduce cream cheese into the beef mixture. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts smoothly and integrates completely.
- Transfer cooked pasta to a large baking dish and mix with one portion of grated cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Gently cascade the seasoned beef and cream cheese mixture over the pasta, folding carefully to create a uniform blend.
- Generously scatter remaining cheese across the top, creating an even coverage.
- Place uncovered dish in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, lighter dish.
- Customize taco seasoning intensity by adjusting the amount or using homemade spice blends for personalized flavor.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend for extra zesty taste profiles.
- Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting ziti with gluten-free pasta and checking taco seasoning ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg