High Protein Creamy Taco Pasta
This Creamy Taco Pasta is a high-protein, family-friendly dinner that combines seasoned lean ground beef, black beans, and tender pasta in a rich, cheesy taco sauce. With over 30 grams of protein per serving, it’s a satisfying weeknight meal. Perfect for meal prep or busy nights, this dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 623kcal
Equipment
- large skillet
- wooden spoon
- can opener
- colander
- Large Pot
- airtight meal prep containers
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (96% lean)
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 bell peppers chopped (any color)
- 2 packets taco seasoning
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 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
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Sauté the vegetables: When the beef is about halfway browned, stir in the chopped onion and bell peppers. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink 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, adding 1/4 cup water if needed to help the seasoning blend evenly.
- Add the beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Cook for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Make the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and milk. Stir frequently until the cream cheese is fully melted 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 until all pasta is evenly coated, adding a splash of milk if you prefer a looser sauce.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon into bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Nutrition
Serving: 400g | Calories: 623kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 7g