Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and bell peppers, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and the onions become translucent.

Step 3

Add ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until no pink remains and the beef is fully browned.

Step 4

Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the seasoning.

Step 5

Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet along with the queso cheese dip. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy cheese sauce.

Step 6

Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chiles for extra flavor and a bit of heat. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 7

Remove from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it sits. Serve in bowls while hot and creamy.