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High Protein Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 112 reviews

This High Protein Creamy Taco Pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines lean ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce with a touch of taco seasoning. Perfect for a hearty dinner, it offers a great balance of protein, fiber, and flavor with the convenience of stovetop cooking.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (96% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)

Seasonings and Beans

  • 2 packets taco seasoning
  • 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

Dairy and Pasta

  • 8 oz block cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 lb pasta, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup 2% reduced-fat ultra-filtered milk (plus more for desired sauce consistency)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks until about halfway browned.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion and bell peppers. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain any excess liquid.
  3. Season the beef mixture: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat evenly, adding 1/4 cup of water if needed to help the seasoning blend.
  4. Add the beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Make the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese cubes and milk. Stir frequently until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy taco beef mixture. Gently toss to coat all pasta evenly, adding a splash of milk if a looser sauce is preferred.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Spoon into bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.

Notes

  • Use 96% lean ground beef for a healthier, lower-fat dish.
  • Choose any color bell peppers according to your preference.
  • Adding a splash of milk adjusts sauce consistency to your liking.
  • Optional toppings like shredded cheese or jalapeños enhance flavor and texture.
  • This dish can be reheated easily on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: taco pasta, high protein pasta, creamy taco pasta, lean ground beef recipe, Tex-Mex pasta, easy weeknight dinner, healthy pasta dish