There are few things in life that bring the whole family running to the dinner table faster than the smell of something warm, cheesy, and full of flavor bubbling away on the stove. And that’s exactly what you get with this Cheesy Taco Pasta—a one-pot miracle that combines the zesty goodness of your favorite tacos with the creamy satisfaction of a big bowl of pasta.
I first whipped this recipe together on one of those classic midweek evenings—you know the type. Everyone’s starving, you’re tired, and the fridge is looking less than inspiring. I had some pasta, ground beef, a little cheese, and a jar of salsa. And just like that, this recipe was born. It’s since become a go-to in our house, and I’m telling you—this one is a keeper.
Whether you’ve got picky eaters or you’re just craving something cozy and comforting with a little Tex-Mex flair, this dish is for you. It’s fast, it’s filling, and it doesn’t leave a sink full of dishes behind. Let’s get into how to make this weeknight lifesaver!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy Cheesy Taco Pasta:
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1/2 cup salsa (choose your spice level)
2 cups uncooked pasta (shells, penne, or elbow macaroni all work great)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Garnishes (optional but encouraged!):
Fresh chopped cilantro
Diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado
Extra shredded cheese
STEP 1: COOK THE BEEF
Start by grabbing a large skillet or Dutch oven and placing it over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it browns. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
Once the beef is mostly cooked through and starting to develop some tasty browned bits, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic. Cook everything together for another 3–5 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant and the garlic is just starting to mellow out. This is the foundation of flavor—don’t rush it!
STEP 2: ADD SEASONINGS AND LIQUIDS
Once the beef and aromatics are ready, it’s time to bring in the taco vibes.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and give it a good stir to coat everything evenly. This is where the magic starts happening. You’ll smell those bold spices waking up the dish.
Next, pour in your diced tomatoes (with all their juicy goodness), beef broth, and salsa. Then add in the uncooked pasta. Give it a solid stir to mix everything together so the pasta is evenly distributed and can soak up all that amazing flavor as it cooks.
STEP 3: SIMMER THE PASTA
Turn the heat up just enough to bring everything to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
Cover your skillet or pot and let the mixture simmer for about 12–15 minutes. Give it a stir every few minutes to make sure the pasta isn’t sticking to the bottom and everything is cooking evenly.
You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. What you’re left with is a thick, saucy base that’s practically begging for cheese. And speaking of…
Cheesy Taco Pasta: The Ultimate One-Pot Tex-Mex Comfort Dish
Welcome back! In Part 1, we got our Cheesy Taco Pasta off to a strong start—perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender pasta simmering in a saucy mix of salsa and tomatoes, and all in just one pot. Now, it’s time for the best part: making it cheesy.
If you’re someone who believes cheese makes everything better, you’re going to love this next step. We’re talking about melty, gooey, irresistible comfort in every bite. Let’s dive right back in!
STEP 4: MAKE IT CHEESY
Now that your pasta is perfectly cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the skillet or pot from the heat. Trust me on this—you don’t want to add cheese while it’s still boiling or the cheese might separate and get a little grainy.
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or go for a Mexican cheese blend if you want that extra taco flavor). The heat from the pasta will melt the cheese into a creamy, dreamy sauce that clings to every bite.
For those of you who love a richer, silkier texture, now’s the time to stir in 1/4 cup of sour cream. This step is technically optional, but it’s what takes this dish from really good to absolutely crave-worthy. It softens the spice just a little and gives you that velvety finish that feels like a big ol’ Tex-Mex hug.
STEP 5: GARNISH AND SERVE
And now we’ve arrived at the grand finale—toppings!
Transfer the pasta into bowls or serve it straight from the skillet (because why dirty more dishes?). Then go wild with your favorite taco-inspired garnishes. Some of our go-to choices include:
Chopped fresh cilantro – Adds a bright, herby freshness
Diced tomatoes – For a juicy, sweet-tart contrast
Sliced jalapeños – If you like a bit of kick
Chunks of avocado – Because creamy avocado + cheesy pasta = magic
Extra cheese – Always a good idea
This is also a great spot to let everyone in the family personalize their bowl. Just like taco night, but way less mess and cleanup.
Tips for Success and Easy Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic version, here are a few quick tips and fun twists to make this dish your own:
Protein Swap: Not feeling ground beef? You can easily sub in ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, use black beans or crumbled tofu with the same seasonings.
Add Some Veggies: Stir in a handful of frozen corn, chopped bell peppers, or even zucchini when you add the pasta. It bulks up the meal and sneaks in some extra nutrients without changing the flavor too much.
Spice It Up or Tone It Down: If you’re feeding little ones or spice-sensitive guests, stick with mild salsa and skip the jalapeños. Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce when you stir in the taco seasoning.
Make It Ahead: This dish reheats like a dream. Just store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and heat up in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Pasta Choices: While small shapes like shells, penne, or elbows work best, feel free to experiment. Just make sure you’re using a pasta that can hold up to a little simmer time without falling apart.
FAQ: Your Cheesy Taco Pasta Questions Answered
1. Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Short pasta shapes work best—think shells, elbows, penne, or rotini. You’ll want something that can hold onto the sauce and mix easily in one pot. Just keep in mind that cook times can vary slightly based on pasta shape.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Let your pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce and keep it creamy.
3. Can I freeze Cheesy Taco Pasta?
Yes, you can! Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers. It will stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Again, a splash of broth will help bring it back to life.
4. How can I make this gluten-free?
Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version. Make sure your taco seasoning is gluten-free too—some store-bought mixes contain hidden gluten ingredients.
5. Is there a dairy-free option?
You can skip the cheese and sour cream, or use plant-based alternatives. The flavor will still be delicious thanks to the seasoned beef and salsa. Just know the texture won’t be as creamy, but you’ll still get all that taco-inspired taste.
6. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe is super easy to double. Just make sure your pot or skillet is big enough to handle the extra volume, and give it a little more time to simmer. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
7. What are some good side dishes to serve with it?
Honestly, this is a full meal on its own, but if you want to add sides, consider a simple green salad, corn on the cob, or chips and guacamole for that Tex-Mex theme.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
There’s just something about this Cheesy Taco Pasta that makes it feel like a win every single time. It checks all the boxes:
One pot (less cleanup!)
30 minutes from start to finish
Totally customizable
Packed with flavor
Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Whether it’s a hectic weeknight, a lazy Sunday, or you just need something comforting on the fly, this dish delivers. And the best part? It’s endlessly adaptable. Play with the protein, spice it up or tone it down, toss in some veggies—it’s one of those meals that can grow with your family’s tastes.
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Cheesy Taco Pasta
Description
A one-pot wonder that brings together the bold flavors of tacos with the comfort of cheesy pasta. This family-friendly dish is quick to make, ultra satisfying, and packed with seasoned beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy finish. Perfect for weeknights or when you’re craving a Tex-Mex twist on classic pasta.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy depending on preference)
2 cups uncooked pasta (shells, penne, or elbow macaroni)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado
Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking for another 3–5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir until well coated.
Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, salsa, and pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Simmer the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
For an extra creamy texture, mix in the sour cream.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with cilantro and your favorite taco toppings, like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or avocado.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
This dish adapts well to different protein options—try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition. Leftovers reheat well and make a great lunch the next day.
