The Best Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Creamy and zesty, this cheesy taco pasta recipe brings a fiesta of flavors right to your dinner table.

pasta lovers will adore the perfect blend of Mexican-inspired spices and comforting cheese.

Weeknight meals just got a whole lot more exciting with this quick and satisfying dish.

Tangy salsa, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination that screams deliciousness.

Forget boring dinners and embrace a meal that packs a punch of excitement.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, making this recipe a total game-changer for busy cooks.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing dish that promises to become a new family favorite.

Cheesy Taco Pasta Overview and Highlights

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This taco pasta delivers mouthwatering flavors that bring everyone to the table with excitement and joy.
• Master One-Pot Convenience: Simplify your cooking routine with a single skillet meal that minimizes cleanup and maximizes deliciousness.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels to suit your family's taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Hero: Prepare a satisfying dinner in minutes that combines the beloved tastes of tacos and pasta into one incredible dish.

Ingredients in Cheesy Taco Pasta Dish

• Pasta: A classic pasta shape that provides the hearty foundation for this cheesy taco dish.

• Ground Beef: Lean meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the recipe.
• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the dish its signature Mexican-inspired taste.
• Beef Broth: A liquid that enhances the depth of flavor and helps create a smooth sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a robust base flavor for the dish.
• Salsa: A zesty sauce that adds tanginess and extra moisture to the pasta.
• Cream Cheese: A creamy ingredient that helps create a rich and smooth sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a classic cheesy tang.

• Cilantro: A fresh herb that provides a bright, optional finishing touch to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps brown the meat and prevent sticking.
• Salt: A seasoning that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

How to Prepare Cheesy Taco Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Pour in olive oil and let it shimmer.

Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.

Cook the meat until it turns a rich, golden brown and develops those delicious crispy edges.

Make sure to drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these flavor bombs until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its mouth-watering aroma.

The kitchen will start smelling absolutely incredible at this point.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in taco seasoning to give the beef a zesty kick.

Pour in salsa and beef broth.

Let everything simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance together.

The sauce will start to thicken and become wonderfully fragrant.

Step 5: Create Creamy Magic

Drop in cream cheese and stir until it melts completely.

Watch as the sauce transforms into a luxuriously smooth and creamy mixture that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.

Gently toss and coat every single pasta piece in the luscious, flavor-packed sauce.

Make sure no noodle is left behind!

Step 7: Cheese Heaven

Shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Stir until the cheese melts into gooey, stringy perfection.

The result will be a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the cheesy taco pasta into bowls.

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Get ready to dive into the most comforting, flavor-packed meal ever!

Cooking Tips for Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Slightly undercook pasta by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushiness when mixing with sauce.
• Adjust taco seasoning quantity or use mild salsa for less heat, perfect for kids or sensitive palates.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve smooth, creamy consistency.
• Prepare the dish ahead and reheat gently with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian versions.

Flavor Twists on Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or crumbled plant-based meat alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced jalapeños, increase salsa heat level, and top with pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Adaptation: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that keeps the cheesy taco flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Fresh Family Fiesta Finale: Top the pasta with crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for a colorful, restaurant-style presentation.
• Nacho Topping Twist: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or corn chips over the dish for an extra crunchy texture that adds exciting contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Quick Meal Companion: Serve alongside a simple green salad or quick cucumber salad to balance the rich, cheesy taco pasta and add some fresh vegetables to your meal.
• Spice Level Customization: Offer hot sauce or additional salsa on the side, letting each person adjust the heat level to their personal preference and create their perfect bite.

Best Storage for Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best quality and flavor.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Cheesy Taco Pasta?

Ground beef, pasta, taco seasoning, salsa, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese are the main ingredients that create the rich, flavorful dish.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe and provides a similar taste and texture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you use. Choose mild versions if you prefer less heat, or opt for medium or hot if you enjoy a spicier kick.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans during cooking to increase vegetable content and boost the nutritional value of the pasta.

Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired cheesy taco pasta delivers a flavor explosion with ground beef, zesty seasonings, and melted cheese. Hearty pasta combines with classic taco ingredients for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 packet (28 grams) taco seasoning

Pasta and Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (shells or rotini)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) cream cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in generously salted water for recommended time until al dente. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef completely, breaking into small crumbles.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics release their fragrance and vegetables soften.
4. Introduce taco seasoning, creating a rich flavor profile. Pour salsa and beef broth into the mixture, allowing ingredients to meld together for 3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat and fold cream cheese into the skillet, stirring continuously until sauce becomes velvety and uniform.
6. Gently fold reserved pasta into the beef mixture, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated with the zesty sauce.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar across the top, then gently stir until cheese melts completely and integrates with the dish.
8. Transfer to serving plates immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro for added brightness and color.

Notes

• Customize taco seasoning intensity by adjusting the amount or using homemade blend for fresher, more controlled flavor profile.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for leaner or vegetarian protein options.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste and texture.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and spice variation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg