Happy Taco Tuesday! If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the best of taco flavors with the comfort of pasta, then these Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Bowls are just what you need. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for meal prepping, ensuring you have tasty lunches or dinners ready to go throughout the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30-45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: Combines savory beef, melty cheese, and classic taco spices.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for making ahead and storing for later use.
- Nutritious: High in protein and relatively low in calories.
Nutritional Information
- Weight Watchers Points: 7
- Calories per Serving: 559
- Protein: 45g
- Servings: 4-5
Ingredients
To make these delicious bowls, gather the following ingredients:
For the Pasta Bowl:
- 1½ lbs 96/4% ground beef
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., fusilli or rotini)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 mini sweet red peppers, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) mild diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups fire-roasted corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ tbsp taco seasoning (or your favorite blend)
- 2 tsp cumin
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- â…“ cup Tostitos Medium Salsa Con Queso
- â…” cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 2 slices Velveeta cheese (or your favorite cheese)
Cooking Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients:
- Dice the onion and sweet peppers.
- Drain and rinse the black beans.
- Boil water for cooking pasta.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture:
- In a large frying pan, spray with non-stick cooking spray and heat over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and cook until they start to brown (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the pan along with taco seasoning and cumin. Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in diced tomatoes, sweet peppers, corn, and black beans. Let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- While the beef mixture is simmering, combine salsa con queso, cottage cheese, and Velveeta in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Combine Everything:
- Add cooked pasta to the beef mixture in the frying pan. Pour in the cheese sauce and mix well until everything is combined and heated through.
- Serve:
- Divide into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your cheesy beef taco pasta bowls!
Storage Tips
These pasta bowls can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them moist.
Side Tips & Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Spice it Up: If you like it spicy, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when serving.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Bowls are not just a meal; they’re an experience! With their comforting flavors and hearty ingredients, they make for a perfect dinner option that everyone will love. Meal prepping has never been easier or more delicious!
Join our kitchen companion membership for more mouth-watering recipes like this one! Now that you have all the details, gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking! Enjoy your Taco Tuesday!
