Cozy Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe: A Fiesta in Every Bite

Whipping up a delightful cheesy taco pasta can turn an ordinary weeknight into a flavor-packed celebration.

Aromas of spiced ground beef and melting cheese will instantly make mouths water.

Comfort food meets Mexican-inspired zest in this simple yet irresistible dish.

Forget complicated recipes that demand hours of preparation.

Weeknight dinners deserve something quick, satisfying, and bursting with bold flavors.

Families and hungry individuals alike will adore this crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in under thirty minutes.

One bite promises to transport you straight to a fiesta of deliciousness.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a lean protein alternative. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• 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 spicy varieties if you like more kick.

• What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni are ideal because they catch the cheesy sauce well and mix easily with the ground meat.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the pasta up to a day in advance. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out, and stir in extra cheese if needed.

Reasons To Love Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Conquer Weeknight Dinners: This beef stroganoff transforms a potentially complex dish into a simple, stress-free meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing rich, comforting flavors.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Comfort: Packed with tender beef, creamy sauce, and savory mushrooms, this recipe delivers gourmet taste right from your own kitchen, making every bite feel special and indulgent.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable to different preferences, you can swap noodles for rice, adjust meat quantities, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's tastes and dietary needs.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and streamlined cooking process mean you spend less time preparing and washing dishes, and more time enjoying a delicious, hearty meal with loved ones.

What Goes Into Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich meat taste and substantial texture to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: Adds filling and comforting foundation to the recipe, absorbing the delicious taco-inspired flavors.

• Taco Seasoning, Salsa: Delivers authentic Mexican-inspired spices and zesty tomato notes to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Helps create a moist cooking environment and deepens the overall meat flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture and adds tangy richness to the pasta.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, melty cheese flavor and additional creaminess.

• Salt, Pepper: Balances and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Cilantro, Avocado, Sour Cream: Offer fresh, cool, and creamy complementary toppings to personalize the meal.

How To Make Cheesy Taco Pasta

Step 1: Fire Up The Skillet

Grab your trusty large skillet and set it on medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink.

Drain away any excess fat to keep things light.

Step 2: Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and pour in the salsa and beef broth.

Drop the uncooked pasta into the mix and stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Simmer And Soften

Crank up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then dial it back to a gentle simmer.

Pop a lid on top and let it cook for 10-12 minutes. Give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Cheese Heaven

• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir until the cheeses melt into a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every single pasta morsel.

Step 5: Final Touch And Serve

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• A dollop of sour cream

Dive into this mouthwatering taco pasta right away while it’s hot and irresistible!

Helpful Hints For Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this comforting dish.
• Customize the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa based on your taste preferences.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Drain pasta water carefully to prevent diluting the rich, cheesy sauce and maintain the perfect consistency.
• Prepare extra cheese toppings on the side, allowing family members to add their favorite amounts for personalized servings.

Creative Twists For Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Pasta: Add diced jalapeños and swap regular salsa for hot salsa to increase heat levels. Include pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• Chicken Fiesta Pasta: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for lighter protein option. Mix in corn kernels and black beans for southwestern flair.
• Vegetarian Mexican Pasta: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and include extra cheese for richness.
• Tex-Mex Skillet Casserole: Transform recipe into baked casserole by transferring mixture to oven-safe dish. Top with additional cheese and crushed tortilla chips before baking for crispy texture.

Best Pairings With Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Taco Night Fiesta Plate
• Create a vibrant spread with the cheesy taco pasta as the centerpiece. Surround the dish with crispy tortilla chips, fresh pico de gallo, and lime wedges. Guests can scoop the pasta onto chips or add extra toppings for a customizable meal experience.
• Mexican-Inspired Loaded Skillet
• Serve directly from the cooking skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation. Top the pasta with additional shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Offer small bowls of chopped green onions, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for personal garnishing.
• Burrito Bowl Transformation
• Transform the pasta into a hearty bowl by layering it over crisp lettuce. Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for extra texture and nutrition.

Keeping Cheesy Taco Pasta Fresh

• Store leftover Cheesy Taco Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Let the pasta cool completely to room temperature before placing in the refrigerator. This prevents condensation and keeps the texture intact.
• Consume refrigerated pasta within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality. Always check for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
• Warm in microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally and heat until temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy cheesy taco pasta delivers a zesty Mexican-inspired dinner that combines comfort and excitement. Creamy noodles with seasoned ground beef create a quick family-friendly meal you can savor in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups uncooked pasta
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth or water
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, thoroughly browning ground beef until completely cooked through, then eliminate excess grease.
2. Incorporate taco seasoning, salsa, and beef broth directly into the meat, then introduce uncooked pasta, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
3. Elevate mixture to a rolling boil, immediately reducing heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and allow pasta to cook for 10-12 minutes, intermittently stirring to prevent sticking.
4. Reduce heat to low, introducing cream cheese and cheddar cheese, gently stirring until both cheeses melt completely, creating a luxurious, smooth sauce that envelops the pasta.
5. Carefully adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to ensure balanced flavor profile. Transfer to serving dishes and embellish with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of tangy sour cream for added complexity and visual appeal.

Notes

• Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned to develop rich, deep flavors and eliminate any raw meat texture.
• Use low-sodium taco seasoning and broth to control salt levels, allowing you to adjust seasoning precisely.
• For a healthier twist, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives without compromising taste.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and checking taco seasoning ingredients for hidden gluten sources.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg