There’s something magical about a warm, cheesy pasta dish bubbling away in the oven. But when you bring tacos into the mix, that’s where the fun really begins. This Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe was one of those happy kitchen accidents that turned into a full-on family favorite. I was craving tacos but had leftover pasta and ground beef in the fridge. I threw it together with some salsa and cheese, popped it in the oven, and what came out was nothing short of a miracle. Creamy. Spicy. Satisfying. The kind of dish that fills more than just bellies. It makes memories too.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between taco night and pasta night, this recipe solves the dilemma. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but cozy enough for a Sunday dinner. And best of all, it’s a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a table full of hungry people, this is a ready meal that saves the day and makes everyone happy.
This is one recipe you’ll want to keep close by so go ahead and pin it now for later
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Taco Pasta
This cheesy taco pasta recipe is comfort food with a kick. It checks all the right boxes for an easy family dinner that feels special without requiring special effort. Here’s why we make it again and again
Easy One Pot Meals like this save dishes and time. You can cook everything in one large skillet or Dutch oven
It’s the perfect dinner with ground beef that doesn’t feel repetitive
Melty gooey cheesy pasta is always a crowd-pleaser
You can customize it with your favorite taco toppings like jalapeños olives or even crushed tortilla chips
It stores well and makes a great reheatable lunch or second-day dinner
Ready in about 30 minutes and tastes like something that’s been cooking for hours
If you’re a fan of easy cheesy comfort food recipes dinners like this you might also enjoy our classic Cheeseburger Casserole or Healthy Beef and Pepper Bowl for a high-protein twist
Ingredients That Make It Irresistible
Here’s what you’ll need for the best taco pasta recipes with that signature cheesy tex-mex flavor
Ground beef – lean but flavorful 85 percent is ideal
Onion and garlic – the aromatic base that builds deep flavor
Taco seasoning – use your favorite packet or make it homemade
Salsa – adds the tangy taco flavor that binds everything together
Diced tomatoes – for added sauciness
Pasta – rotini shells or elbow pasta all work beautifully
Cream cheese – for that creamy factor
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese – melted magic
Optional add-ins – corn black beans jalapeños olives green onions
Optional toppings – sour cream crushed chips cilantro lime
You can absolutely customize this cheesy taco pasta to suit your pantry or preferences. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if desired. For a vegetarian version just use black beans and corn as your base protein.
Substitution Tips
Out of cream cheese Use sour cream or Greek yogurt
No taco seasoning Try chili powder cumin garlic powder paprika and salt
Want it spicier Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chipotle peppers
Need gluten-free Use gluten-free pasta and check your seasoning packet
Want more swaps and tips like these Browse our Easy Pasta Recipes section for more family-friendly favorites
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Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe That Brings the Table Together
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a warm, bubbling mashup of tacos and pasta that’s quick, comforting, and totally satisfying. With seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a creamy kick, it’s a family favorite made for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 8 oz rotini, shells, or elbow pasta
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Optional: ½ cup corn, ½ cup black beans, jalapeños, olives, green onions
- Optional toppings: sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning, salsa, diced tomatoes, and cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese is fully melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and half the shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Top with remaining cheese. Cover and let sit on low heat until cheese melts, or broil for a golden top.
- Serve hot with desired toppings such as sour cream, crushed chips, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
Use mild or spicy salsa based on preference. Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken if desired. To make it vegetarian, use black beans and corn. Stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s make this Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe from start to finish in less than 40 minutes
Start by boiling your pasta according to package instructions. You want it al dente since it will finish cooking in the sauce
While the pasta cooks heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed
Stir in taco seasoning salsa diced tomatoes and cream cheese. Let the cream cheese melt fully and mix until the sauce becomes creamy and thick
Fold in the cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until combined
Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top and cover with a lid or foil. Let it sit over low heat for a few minutes or pop under the broiler for golden cheese bubbles
Top with crushed tortilla chips chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Dinner is served
Serve hot with your favorite burger sides or a quick green salad and you’ve got a weeknight winner
Love this method Check out our Taco Pasta Bake or One Pot Chili Mac in the Comfort Food Recipes Dinners section
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This cheesy taco pasta is perfect for batch cooking or meal prepping
Make the entire dish ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce
To freeze let the pasta cool completely then portion into freezer-safe containers. It will last up to three months. Reheat from frozen in the oven covered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot
You can also freeze just the taco beef mixture and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve
If you love prepping meals ahead take a look at our Meal Prep Protein Bowls collection for other easy cheesy ideas that reheat like a dream
Serving Suggestions for the Full Taco Vibe
While this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own it pairs beautifully with simple sides and toppings
Serve with
Fresh lime wedges to brighten each bite
Shredded lettuce or chopped tomatoes for crunch
Pickled jalapeños if you love a little heat
Tortilla chips on the side or crumbled on top
Avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy finish
A sprinkle of green onion or chopped cilantro
A scoop of sour cream right in the middle of the bowl
Looking for a bowl-style upgrade Add taco pasta to your rotation of Fitness Bowls or Balanced Meals to add variety to your weeknight lineup
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking your pasta especially if you plan to bake it later
Forgetting to season the beef well if you skip the taco seasoning packet make sure your homemade version is bold
Adding cream cheese before draining the beef which can result in a greasy sauce
Not using enough cheese remember this is supposed to be easy cheesy
Skipping the toppings which take it from good to great in seconds
If you’ve struggled with similar recipes before check our Dinner With Ground Beef archives for helpful walkthroughs
Final Thoughts From My Kitchen
This Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe isn’t just a dinner it’s a memory in the making. Whether you’re chasing quick comfort or planning a full spread it fits into every kind of evening. I’ve made this on game nights when we needed something warm and filling. I’ve packed it in lunchboxes for the next day and it reheated like a dream. And I’ve shared it at potlucks where it disappeared faster than anything else on the table.
What makes it so lovable is the balance. The creamy cheese. The seasoned beef. The little kick from the salsa. It’s not fussy. It’s not fancy. But it’s everything a good meal should be
If you love this recipe I think you’ll also enjoy our Lemon Crumb Muffins with Lemon Glazel and TikTok Viral Food features where flavor meets function
Now go grab your skillet and get cooking
FAQ – Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
What kind of pasta works best in cheesy taco pasta
Short shapes like rotini elbow or shells hold the sauce well. You want something sturdy that catches all the cheesy goodness
Can I make this taco pasta ahead of time
Yes and it reheats beautifully. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Is cheesy taco pasta spicy
Not overly. Use mild salsa for a family-friendly version or spicy salsa if you want heat
What toppings go well with cheesy taco pasta
Try sour cream jalapeños diced tomatoes green onions or crushed tortilla chips
Can I make this with chicken or turkey
Absolutely. Ground turkey or shredded chicken both work well. Just adjust your seasonings to taste
🍽️ Conclusion
This Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe is everything I love about easy dinners bold, familiar flavors, just enough spice, and plenty of melty cheese in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at the table, then gets requested again the next week. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on taco night or a new idea for ground beef, this one-pot meal fits the bill.
Warm, filling, and endlessly adaptable, it brings comfort with every forkful. I hope it finds a spot in your weekly rotation, just like it has in mine.
Follow along on Pinterest and Medium for more comforting, ready-in-minutes meals.
