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
Scale
- 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