Ingredients
- 3/4 bag (about 12 oz) ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 package (4 oz) cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain the excess fat.
3. Add Taco Flavor:
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water with the cooked beef. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Melt the Cream Cheese:
- Add the cream cheese to the beef mixture. Stir until it melts and forms a creamy sauce. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Dish:
- In a greased baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Toss to mix.
- Spread the beef mixture over the pasta and gently toss to combine.
6. Top and Bake:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve warm and enjoy this cheesy, taco-inspired pasta dish.
Notes
This Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner with a festive twist. Pair it with a fresh salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal thatโs sure to delight the whole family. ๐๐