Description
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a quick and easy dinner combining juicy seasoned ground beef, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and melted plant-based cheese for a creamy, flavorful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers the best of taco night with comforting pasta in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until golden and crispy. Remove from skillet, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside for topping.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned thoroughly.
- Add Spices and Seasonings: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), diced tomatoes with green chilies, and apple cider vinegar. Mix well to evenly coat the beef and allow flavors to meld for a few minutes.
- Create the Cheesy Sauce: Pour in the plant-based milk and sprinkle the natural gelling agent while stirring continuously to thicken the sauce. Once thickened, fold in the shredded plant-based cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Toss well to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve with Bacon Topping: Plate the cheesy beef taco pasta and finish by sprinkling the crispy smoked turkey bacon on top, adding a smoky crunch to the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente is best.
- Reserved pasta water helps smooth the sauce without diluting taste.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook.
- Grate the plant-based cheese finely for faster, even melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: cheesy beef taco pasta, quick dinner, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, taco pasta, easy weeknight meal
