There's nothing quite like the rich, cheesy goodness of taco pasta to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. This hearty dish combines the bold flavors of a taco with the creamy, indulgent texture of a pasta bake, making it a guaranteed family favorite.
I discovered this recipe during a busy weeknight when I wanted to use up some ground beef and pasta in my pantry. The result? A quick, crowd-pleasing meal that’s now a regular in our dinner rotation.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Taco Pasta
Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this deliciously simple recipe. Cheesy taco pasta isn’t just a meal—it’s a solution for busy nights when you need something filling and flavorful.
First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a complete meal ready to serve, perfect for those hectic evenings when time is tight.
Second, it’s kid-friendly. The combination of creamy cheese, taco-seasoned beef, and tender pasta is a surefire hit with even the pickiest eaters. You might even find them asking for seconds!
It’s also wonderfully versatile. You can customize this dish with your favorite toppings—think diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream—or even swap in different proteins like turkey or chicken.
Finally, it’s budget-friendly. Using simple, pantry-staple ingredients ensures you can feed your family without breaking the bank.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of cheesy taco pasta lies in its simple ingredients coming together to create bold, comforting flavors. Each component plays a key role in this dish.
Ground Beef is the star of the recipe, providing a hearty base that absorbs all the wonderful taco seasoning. For a leaner option, ground turkey works just as well.
Taco Seasoning infuses the dish with those signature flavors—smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy. Store-bought packets are convenient, but you can also use homemade seasoning for more control over the spice level.
Pasta serves as the perfect vehicle for all that cheesy, saucy goodness. I recommend using medium-sized shapes like penne, rotini, or shells to hold onto the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese melts beautifully into the dish, creating a creamy texture and a rich, cheesy flavor. If you prefer, you can mix in Monterey Jack or pepper jack for an extra kick.
Diced Tomatoes add a fresh, tangy element that balances out the richness of the cheese and meat. Look for canned varieties with green chilies for a bit of heat.
A large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta are all the equipment you’ll need to whip up this dish quickly.
How To Make This Cheesy Taco Pasta

Creating cheesy taco pasta is a breeze, even for beginner cooks. Let’s walk through the steps to bring this comforting meal to life.
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for your pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. While it cooks, brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease and return it to the skillet. Stir in your taco seasoning and a splash of water to coat the meat thoroughly. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to deepen the flavor.
Next, add your canned diced tomatoes and cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
Now it’s time for the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture and gently fold it in until melted and creamy. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese creates a luscious, gooey sauce that clings to the pasta.
Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 25 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Storage Options
Cheesy taco pasta stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
Transfer any remaining pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to maintain the creamy texture as it warms.
If you want to freeze it, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:
For a healthier twist, use whole-grain pasta and swap in Greek yogurt for some of the cheese.
Want extra veggies? Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added color and nutrition.
Switch up the protein by using ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
Finally, experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for unique flavors.
Cheesy taco pasta is more than a recipe—it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity. Give it a try, and let it become a staple in your kitchen, too!
PrintCheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
Cheesy Taco Pasta combines the best of both worlds: creamy, cheesy pasta and bold taco flavors. Made with ground beef, taco seasoning, and melted cheese, it's an easy weeknight dinner that's perfect for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (e.g., shells or penne)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream or milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and salsa, cooking for 1-2 minutes until combined.
- Lower the heat and add cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix in cream or milk and shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with optional toppings like cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sour cream.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes.
- Use your favorite pasta shape for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
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