Description
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful meal combining savory ground beef, smoky turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and taco spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, delivering comforting taco-inspired flavors in a cozy pasta bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Aromatics and Seasonings
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup tomato sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Beef and Turkey Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics and Seasonings: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in tomato sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent to create a creamy sauce.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet and fold gently through the cheesy beef taco mixture until well coated. Cook on low heat for a few minutes so pasta absorbs the sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh taco seasoning or make your own for best flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture holds up best.
- Cook turkey bacon until crisp for added texture contrast.
- Stir plant-based cheese gradually to prevent clumping.
- Adjust sauce consistency with vegetable broth or additional natural gelling agent if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cheesy beef taco pasta, plant-based cheese, taco pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food
