The Zestiest Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Twirling your fork through this cheesy taco pasta promises a flavor explosion that will make dinner feel like a fiesta.

Mexican-inspired ingredients dance together in one skillet, creating magic for hungry souls.

Comfort meets excitement with every bite of melted cheese and zesty seasonings.

Weeknight meals never looked so tempting and simple to prepare.

Spices mingle with tender pasta, crafting a dish that speaks directly to your taste buds.

Soft tortillas and crisp toppings add layers of texture you’ll absolutely adore.

Dinner just got a delicious upgrade that everyone at the table will celebrate.

Common Questions On Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and seasoning.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or omitting them. The salsa and seasoning contribute some flavor without being overwhelmingly spicy.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like crumbled tofu, black beans, or meat substitutes. Adjust seasoning to maintain the robust flavor profile.

• What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells are ideal because they hold the sauce and cheese well. Avoid long, thin pasta like spaghetti which won’t mix as effectively with the ingredients.

Why Cheesy Taco Pasta Is A Fun Dinner

• Boost Family Dinner Fun: Transform ordinary pasta night into a zesty, crowd-pleasing meal that kids and adults will absolutely love.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Create a complete dinner using just a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience for busy home cooks.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe with optional toppings like sour cream, tortilla chips, or extra cheese to suit individual taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepare a delicious, satisfying meal in less than thirty minutes, perfect for hectic schedules and hungry families.

Ingredients For Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that serves as the base of this delicious dish.
• Ground Beef: A protein-rich meat that provides hearty flavor and substance to the recipe.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that adds creamy richness and tangy taste.

• Taco Seasoning, Dried Oregano: Spices that bring authentic Mexican-inspired flavors to the dish.
• Salsa, Worcestershire Sauce: Ingredients that add depth and complexity to the overall taste profile.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful foundation for the recipe.

• Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
• Sour Cream, Crushed Tortilla Chips, Chopped Parsley: Optional toppings that add texture and freshness.

• Canola Oil: A neutral oil used for cooking the ground beef and other ingredients.
• Water: Used to help simmer and blend the seasonings with the meat.

Cooking Instructions For Cheesy Taco Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon.

Step 3: Drain Excess Fat

Remove most of the fat from the skillet, leaving just a thin layer for flavor.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Ingredients

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Stir and cook for one minute until the kitchen fills with a delicious fragrance.

Step 5: Spice It Up

• Taco seasoning
• Dried oregano
• Worcestershire sauce
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Pour in water and let the mixture simmer until liquid reduces significantly.

Step 6: Combine and Melt

• Salsa
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix until cheese melts completely and coats everything evenly.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

• Extra shredded cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Sour cream
• Chopped parsley

Enjoy your mouthwatering taco pasta immediately!

What Helps With Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Drain Pasta Perfectly: Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Control Meat Moisture: Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve better browning and prevent excess liquid in the skillet.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast taco seasoning briefly in the pan before adding liquid to intensify its aromatic spices and enhance overall taste.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Remove skillet from heat when adding cheese to prevent scorching and create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Customize Toppings Wisely: Layer garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced jalapeños, or avocado chunks just before serving to add texture and fresh flavor bursts.

Fun Ideas For Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Vegetarian Taco Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Southwestern Pasta: Swap salsa with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and verify taco seasoning is gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal.

Good Pairings With Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Complement the spicy, cheesy taco pasta with a tangy lime margarita that cuts through the richness and enhances the Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Boost with Crisp Lager: Select a light Mexican beer or crisp lager to refresh the palate and balance the bold, spicy notes of the pasta dish.
• Serve with Fresh Salad: Create a bright side salad with mixed greens, cilantro, and a light lime vinaigrette to add a cool, refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
• Elevate with Guacamole: Add a creamy guacamole side that complements the cheesy taco pasta, providing a smooth texture and additional Mexican-inspired flavor profile.

How To Store Cheesy Taco Pasta Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil for best preservation.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra salsa to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Cheesy Taco Pasta brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with zesty spices and melted cheese. Packed with ground beef, peppers, and a creamy sauce, this quick one-pot meal promises delicious satisfaction for hungry families craving bold flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound large pasta shells
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Additional Ingredients and Toppings:

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 cup jarred salsa
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Sour cream
• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then brown ground beef completely, breaking into small crumbles.
3. Remove excess grease, leaving a thin layer for sautéing.
4. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic for 60 seconds until aromatic.
5. Sprinkle taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Pour water and simmer until liquid reduces by half.
6. Fold cooked pasta into the seasoned meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to combine.
7. Incorporate salsa and cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce.
8. Transfer to serving dishes, topping with additional shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, dollop of sour cream, and fresh parsley for garnish.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Experiment with alternative proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary preferences.
• Toast the taco seasoning briefly in the pan before adding other ingredients to enhance the spice blend’s depth and aroma.
• For a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta to increase protein and accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg