Cheesy Taco Pasta – When you’re in the mood for something cozy, quick, and oh-so-satisfying, this Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe has your back. Imagine all the bold flavors of a classic taco—seasoned beef, tangy salsa, and loads of melty cheese—wrapped around tender pasta. It’s one-pot comfort food that’s ideal for those active nights when you desire something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s prepared in just 30 minutes!
I still remember the first time I made this Cheesy Taco Pasta for my family. I wasn’t sure how they’d feel about the mash-up of Mexican flavors with pasta, but it was an instant hit! My husband took one bite, gave me that “we’re making this again” look, and our kids were already asking for seconds before their plates were even empty. It’s become one of our go-to dinners because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a meal that’s cheesy, comforting, and ready in no time? Now, anytime we want a fuss-free dinner that makes everyone happy, I know exactly what to whip up.
What makes this Cheesy Taco Pasta truly special?
This dish is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s a little spicy, a little cheesy, and a lot of fun! The seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and tangy salsa create a mouthwatering combo that’s like a taco and pasta all in one. Plus, it’s assembled in one pot, which means effortless cleanup. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this recipe keeps things straightforward without skimping on taste. And if you have picky eaters, this is one of those dishes that gets everyone on board—even the kids!
What You Need To Make This Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe?
Rotini: Rotini is perfect here because those little spirals hold onto the sauce and all that cheesy goodness so well. You can swap it for penne or another short pasta if that’s what you have on hand, but rotini really nails it!
Ground Beef: Go for ground beef with some fat in it, like 80/20, since it brings extra flavor. If you want to make it lighter, you could totally use ground turkey or chicken, but beef really gives it that classic taco feel.
Water: Just a splash of water to help the taco seasoning mix evenly and work its magic on the beef. It evaporates as it cooks, leaving all that flavorful seasoning behind.
Taco Seasoning: This is the star of the show! Taco seasoning brings all the spices without having to measure out a bunch of things individually. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing your own seasoning with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of oregano.
Salsa: Salsa adds a bit of zing and moisture to the dish, with all those tomatoes, peppers, and onions already cooked down. Go with a salsa you love, mild or spicy—your call!
Shredded Mexican Cheese: This is where all that cheesy, gooey goodness comes from. A Mexican blend (usually cheddar, Monterey Jack, and maybe a bit of queso) melts really well, adding a creamy texture and loads of flavor. Add a little more on top for that extra melty finish, because why not?
Steps To Make Cheesy Taco Pasta:
Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the rotini according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it, and set it aside. Easy, right?
Brown the Beef: In a large pot, toss in the ground beef and cook it over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any extra fat—just enough to keep things juicy but not too greasy.
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Add Seasoning: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning along with about half a cup of water. Stir it all together until the beef is fully coated, and let it simmer until the water cooks off. The meat should look perfectly seasoned and smell amazing.
Mix in Pasta and Salsa: Now, add the cooked pasta and salsa straight into the pot. Stir it all together so every piece of pasta gets coated in that tasty taco goodness.
Get Cheesy: Toss in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese and stir until everything’s melted and super creamy. Then, turn off the heat, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and let it sit for a couple of minutes to get all melty and perfect.
Serve It Up: Dish it out while it’s still hot and cheesy. It’s taco meets pasta in the best way possible. Enjoy every bite!
Tip:
If you want to take this Cheesy Taco Pasta to the next level, try using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded! Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Grating your own cheese will give you a creamier, richer texture, which makes all the difference in a dish like this. And here’s another secret: after adding the cheese, cover the pot and let it sit for a few minutes. The cheese will melt completely, coating the pasta in that irresistibly gooey texture we all love. You could even garnish it with some fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for an extra burst of flavor. These little tweaks really bring out that homemade taste and make the dish even more satisfying!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the sauce, you can use any pasta you have on hand—penne, macaroni, or even shells work well. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure the pasta is al dente, so it holds up when you mix everything together.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
No problem if you’re not into beef! Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu make great alternatives. If you go with tofu, try adding a bit more taco seasoning to keep that bold flavor. Each option will give the dish a slightly different twist, but all are delicious!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of water or a bit more salsa to bring back the sauciness.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 c water
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 c salsa
- 2 c shredded Mexican cheese blend divided
Instructions
- Cook the rotini according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside.
- In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Once the beef is fully browned, go ahead and drain off any extra fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the beef, stirring well to coat. Let it cook until the water evaporates and the beef is nicely seasoned.
- Add the cooked pasta back into the pot along with the salsa, stirring everything together until well mixed.
- Sprinkle in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese and stir until it’s melted and creamy. Take the pot off the heat, top it with the remaining cheese, and let it melt. Serve warm and dig in!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
