Cook ground beef to a safe minimum temperature of 165 °F for safety., Use separate utensils and wash hands after handling raw meat to prevent cross-contamination., Never leave cooked food sitting out on the counter for too long., Stay attentive while cooking; do not leave food unattended., Use cooking oils with high smoke point to avoid harmful compounds during high heat cooking., This recipe is great for meal prep; store leftovers in airtight container for up to four days and reheat with a splash of milk if needed., Can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives., Chickpea pasta can be substituted with whole wheat, regular durum, or gluten-free pasta., Black beans can be substituted with pinto or kidney beans., Cottage cheese can be swapped with Greek yogurt or ricotta for the creamy sauce., Cheddar cheese alternatives include Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Mexican cheese blend., Taco seasoning can be homemade or store-bought, ensure gluten-free if needed., Add veggies like bell peppers, onions, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition., Spice it up using hot sauce or chili flakes., For creamier sauce, add sour cream or extra Greek yogurt., To reduce cleanup, cook all ingredients in a large Dutch oven or pot., Low carb options include low-carb pasta or cauliflower rice., Increase protein by adding more cottage cheese or Greek yogurt., Can bake the dish topped with cheese until bubbly and golden if desired.