1lb Lean Ground Beef or Ground Turkey – 80/20 or above preferred
1 envelope low sodium taco seasoning
1cup water
1/2 block cream cheese (4 oz.) – I use 1/3 fat version
1 1/2cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Mexican Blend, or Monterey Jack)
Instructions
Begin boiling pasta according to package instructions.
Brown ground beef in pan until fully cooked; Drain; Place beef back into pan and add taco seasoning and water. Stir well and let simmer on medium heat until liquid has reduced. (About 5 Minutes)
Cut ½ block of cream cheese into small squares and add into ground beef taco mixture. Begin stirring in cream cheese and increase heat to medium/high until all cheese has been incorporated and sauce is creamy.
Remove ground beef from heat; Drain pasta; Add pasta to ground beef and cream cheese mixture and stir until combined. Stir in 1 cup of cheese and mix until combined.
Top taco pasta with remaining ½ cup of cheese and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is perfectly melted.
If desired, top your cheesy taco pasta with fresh herbs, salsa, and sour cream for added flavor, and pair with a salad for a delicious weeknight meal.