Irresistible Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners

Whipping up a delightful cheesy taco pasta promises pure comfort on busy weeknights.

Flavor-packed ingredients dance together in one spectacular skillet.

Weeknight dinners can be seriously delicious without complicated steps.

Mexican-inspired spices bring zesty excitement to classic pasta expectations.

Simple pantry staples create magic in less than thirty minutes.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together.

Cheesy Taco Pasta: Irresistible Flavor Reasons

• Customize for Crowd-Pleasing Meals: Easily adaptable for picky eaters by adding optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or extra cheese to suit individual tastes.
• Deliver Comfort Food with a Twist: Combines classic pasta comfort with zesty taco flavors, creating a mouthwatering fusion that satisfies both pasta and taco lovers in one skillet.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Requires minimal ingredients and cooking steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, filling meal that everyone will love.

Taco Pasta – What Goes In This Dish

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

• Ground Beef: Adds hearty protein and meaty flavor to the dish.
• Taco Seasoning: Brings classic Mexican-inspired spices and zesty flavor.
• Salsa: Adds a tangy and fresh tomato-based sauce component.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and smooth texture for the sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides additional melty cheese flavor and creaminess.
• Milk: Helps to create a smooth and cohesive sauce consistency.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create the sauce base.

• Sour Cream, Green Onions: Provide fresh and cool topping options to enhance the final dish.

How To Make Cheesy Taco Pasta Quickly

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Grab your favorite pasta shape and cook it in a pot of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside, letting it rest while you prepare the delicious taco sauce.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat up a large skillet and toss in the ground beef.

Cook it over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until the meat turns a rich, golden brown.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep your dish light and tasty.

Step 3: Spice Up the Beef

• Zesty taco seasoning
• Chunky salsa
• Savory chicken broth

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the spices to mingle and create a mouthwatering base.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Smooth cream cheese
• Silky milk
• Melty shredded cheese

Stir continuously until the ingredients blend into a velvety, irresistible sauce that coats everything beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, making sure every single noodle gets a luxurious coating of the cheesy taco goodness.

Toss and mix until perfectly combined.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

• Cool sour cream
• Chopped green onions

Dive in while it’s hot and enjoy the flavor party!

Chef Secrets For Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Shake colander vigorously to remove excess water, preventing watery sauce.
• Blot ground beef with paper towels before cooking to reduce grease and enhance browning.
• Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, velvety sauce without clumping.
• Use Mexican-style shredded cheese blend for extra zesty taste instead of standard cheddar.
• Adjust salsa type from mild to spicy depending on family's preferred spice tolerance.

Cheesy Taco Pasta – Tasty Twists & Add-Ins

• Vegetarian Taco Pasta: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat alternative for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and check that taco seasoning is certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced jalapeños, swap regular salsa for hot salsa, and include pepper jack cheese for extra heat and flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the delicious taco-inspired taste.

Serving Cheesy Taco Pasta Family Style

• Fiesta Family Dinner: Serve this vibrant taco pasta alongside crisp green salad for a complete meal that brings excitement to the table.
• Taco Night Upgrade: Top with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and crumbled tortilla chips to add extra crunch and bright flavors that complement the creamy pasta.
• Southwestern Side Kick: Pair with Mexican street corn or refried beans to create a hearty dinner that satisfies every hungry member of the family.
• Quick Meal Companion: Prepare a simple avocado salsa or quick pico de gallo as a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the cheesy pasta.

Storing Cheesy Taco Pasta For Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce texture.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this recipe and provides a similar flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you choose. For a milder version, select mild salsa and reduced-sodium taco seasoning.

• Do I need special cheese for this recipe?

Any melting cheese like cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack will work great. The key is using a cheese that melts smoothly into the sauce.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the taco pasta in advance and reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy taco pasta delivers a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired fusion that combines comfort and zest in one delightful dish. Quick weeknight dinners become exciting with this simple, flavor-packed recipe packed with ground beef, melted cheese, and taco seasoning that brings spice to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) pasta (shells or elbow)
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) cream cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Diced tomatoes
• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat large skillet over medium-high temperature. Brown ground beef, breaking into small crumbles, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Eliminate excess grease from meat by carefully draining fat from skillet.
4. Incorporate taco seasoning, salsa, and chicken broth into beef mixture. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Reduce heat to low. Introduce cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
6. Pour milk into skillet, blending smoothly with existing sauce. Add shredded cheese and continue stirring until sauce becomes velvety and uniform.
7. Gently fold cooked pasta into cheesy taco sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated with rich, flavorful mixture.
8. Transfer to serving dishes while maintaining warmth. Optionally crown with fresh green onions, dollop of sour cream, or additional cheese for enhanced presentation.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that keeps the dish protein-packed.
• Use gluten-free pasta and check taco seasoning ingredients to make this recipe completely gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• For extra vegetable nutrition, fold in diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans during the sauce-making stage to boost flavor and fiber content.
• Control spice levels by selecting mild salsa or adding a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy more heat, making the dish customizable for different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 555 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg