Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
So, imagine everything you love about taco night—savory, seasoned beef, a little kick from salsa, and that gooey, melted cheese—all wrapped up in a comforting pasta dish. That’s what this Cheesy Taco Pasta is all about! It’s quick, satisfying, and honestly feels like the best of both worlds. I whipped this up one night when I wanted something familiar but with a twist, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s one of those meals where everyone’s happy to grab a bowl, cozy up, and dig in, especially on a busy weeknight when you want something easy yet absolutely delicious. Give it a try; I promise, it won’t last long!
5 Servings
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
To make this Cheesy Taco Pasta gluten-free, simply swap the regular rotini for a gluten-free pasta. Double-check your taco seasoning packet to ensure it’s gluten-free (many are, but it’s always good to be sure!), and choose a gluten-free salsa as well. With just these simple swaps, you can keep all the flavors you love in this dish while making it completely gluten-free.