High Protein Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe
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.
- Author: liam
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add the beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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