The Ultimate Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe That Wows Every Time

Tucking into a comforting cheesy beef taco pasta always hits the spot for quick and satisfying dinners.

Spicy ground beef mingles with tender pasta shells, creating a mouthwatering one-pot marvel.

Melted cheese blankets each bite with rich, creamy goodness.

Mexican-inspired seasonings dance through the dish, bringing explosive flavor to your plate.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Cheese lovers and taco enthusiasts will absolutely devour every single forkful.

You cannot resist this crowd-pleasing meal that combines two ultimate comfort foods into one spectacular dish.

Storage Advice for Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Prevents bacterial growth and maintains freshness.
• Transfer pasta to a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water to prevent dryness. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Place pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs on Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Shell pasta is ideal because its curved shape helps hold the cheesy sauce and ground beef, creating a perfect bite every time.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute that provides a leaner protein option while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile of the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The taco seasoning adds mild flavor, but you can control the heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning packets based on your preference.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Consider adding diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans during the final mixing stage to increase the vegetable and protein content of the meal.

Why Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe Is Full of Flavor

• Boost Family Dinner Excitement: Transform ordinary pasta night into a crowd-pleasing feast that gets everyone running to the table with this zesty, cheesy creation.
• Master Quick Weeknight Cooking: Tackle dinner prep in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that require minimal cooking skills.
• Customize with Endless Toppings: Personalize your dish by adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream to match individual taste preferences.
• Celebrate Comfort Food Fusion: Combine the best of two beloved dishes – tacos and cheesy pasta – into one irresistible meal that satisfies multiple cravings simultaneously.

Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and protein-rich base for the taco pasta dish.

• Shell Pasta: Provides a hearty and fun shape that catches the cheesy sauce perfectly.

• Velveeta Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Create a creamy and rich cheese sauce that binds the dish together.

• Taco Seasoning Packets: Adds classic Mexican-inspired spices and depth to the pasta.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Introduces a zesty tomato flavor with a hint of heat.

• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.

• Sour Cream, Cilantro: Provides additional freshness and traditional taco-style toppings.

Instructions for Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle The Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until it’s perfectly browned and completely cooked through. Break the meat into small crumbles while cooking. Once done, drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Boil The Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add shell pasta and cook until it reaches a tender al dente texture. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Return the same skillet to the stove. Add cubed Velveeta cheese and milk. Stir continuously over medium heat, allowing the cheese to melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. Keep stirring to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 4: Combine Flavor Powerhouses

Gently fold the cooked pasta and browned beef into the melted cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure every pasta shell gets coated with the cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Kick Up The Flavor

Sprinkle in taco seasoning packets and stir well. Add the entire can of Rotel tomatoes, including the liquid. Mix everything until the flavors are fully blended and the mixture is heated through.

Step 6: Final Cheese Blast

Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until the additional cheese melts and creates extra layers of cheesy deliciousness.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Dollop of sour cream
• Extra shredded cheddar
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips

Pro Tips for Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

• 90/10 to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish without compromising flavor.
• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Stir pasta occasionally while cooking and rinse with cold water after draining to stop sticking and maintain a perfect texture.
• Enhance Cheese Meltability: Cut Velveeta into smaller cubes and use low-medium heat to ensure smooth, even melting without burning or separating.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust taco seasoning quantity based on personal preference – use one packet for milder taste or mix two for extra zesty flavor.
• Prep Ahead for Quick Meal: Brown beef and cook pasta in advance, storing separately in refrigerator, then quickly reheat and combine when ready to serve.

Variation Ideas for Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or black beans for a meatless version that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced jalapeños, use hot taco seasoning, and mix in pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick that transforms the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute shell pasta with gluten-free pasta shells and verify taco seasoning packets are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta and reduce cheese quantity for a lighter, ketogenic-friendly meal that preserves the classic taco pasta essence.

Pairing Suggestions for Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

• Pair with Mexican Cerveza: Crack open a cold, crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to cut through the rich, cheesy pasta and complement the zesty taco seasoning.
• Freshen with Citrus Margarita: Mix a bright, tangy margarita with fresh lime juice to balance the heavy, creamy pasta and add a refreshing counterpoint to the bold flavors.
• Cool with Creamy Ranch Dressing: Drizzle cool ranch dressing over the top to add a smooth, herbal touch that softens the spicy taco notes and provides a creamy contrast.
• Enhance with Pickled Jalapeños: Sprinkle chopped pickled jalapeños on top to introduce a sharp, vinegary kick that cuts through the richness and adds extra excitement to each bite.

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty “cheesy beef taco pasta” brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with bold, zesty flavors. Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 3 pounds ground beef

Pasta and Cheese:

• 1 box small shell pasta
• 1 block (16 ounces / 453 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 handful sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 packs taco seasoning
• 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) original Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
• 1/2 cup milk

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium heat until thoroughly browned, approximately 8-10 minutes. Eliminate excess fat and transfer meat to a separate dish.
2. Simultaneously, initiate a pot of salted water to boiling. Immerse shell pasta, cooking until perfectly tender, roughly 8-9 minutes. Strain pasta and reserve.
3. Utilize the identical skillet, melt Velveeta cheese cubes with milk, stirring continuously over medium heat until transformation into a velvety, uniform sauce, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Introduce cooked pasta and previously browned beef into the molten cheese mixture. Gently fold ingredients to ensure comprehensive coverage.
5. Sprinkle taco seasoning packets across the mixture, thoroughly integrating the robust, zesty flavors. Pour entire contents of Rotel, including liquid, mixing until harmoniously blended.
6. Incorporate shredded sharp cheddar, stirring until cheese dissolves completely and melds with the existing sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture.
7. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while piping hot. Optional: Embellish with additional cheddar, dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro for enhanced presentation and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein alternative.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini or penne to add textural variety.
• Use low-fat cheese and milk options to reduce overall calorie content without compromising flavor.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning packets based on personal spice preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 774
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 56 g
• Saturated Fat: 28 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg