Description
Creamy and flavorful Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta made with plant-based cheese and smoked turkey bacon, combined with zesty taco seasoning for a quick and satisfying meal packed with vibrant flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta shells
Cheese & Sauce
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (melting, such as cheddar-style or mozzarella-style)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (natural)
Aromatics & Flavorings
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the pasta shells in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water for later.
- Cook the Meat and Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp. Remove and set on a paper towel. In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Paste: Mix in taco seasoning (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), tomato paste (natural), and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine, allowing the mixture to thicken slightly and all flavors to meld.
- Create the Cheesy Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add plant-based cheese along with the natural gelling agent. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the perfect creamy consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, folding gently to coat them evenly in the cheesy beef taco sauce. Crumble the smoked turkey bacon on top, reserving some for garnish if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh taco seasoning spices for better flavor vibrancy.
- Do not overcook pasta to maintain texture after mixing with sauce.
- Slowly melt the plant-based cheese over low heat to prevent clumping and ensure a silky sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without watering down flavor.
- Adjust seasoning at the end by tasting and adding salt or apple cider vinegar as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, taco seasoning, quick dinner, creamy pasta, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
