Rich, cheesy, and bursting with zesty flavor, Cheesy Taco Pasta is the fusion dish you didn’t know you needed. This easy dinner recipe takes the heartiness of a pasta dish and blends it with bold Mexican-inspired flavors to create a weeknight meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Topped with crushed tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream, every bite is a flavorful fiesta!
This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. If you’ve tried our Tex-Mex Chicken Spaghetti, you’ll love the spicy, beefy twist in this cheesy taco pasta. Ready to spice up your pasta routine? Let’s get into it!
What is Cheesy Taco Pasta?
Cheesy Taco Pasta is a delicious mash-up of two culinary worlds: Italian pasta and Mexican taco flavors. Think of it as taco night meets pasta night in the most delicious way possible! Ground beef, salsa, and taco seasoning give it that classic taco flavor, while the cheese and pasta provide all the comfort of a creamy pasta dish.
Why the name? It’s simple—tacos + pasta = total flavor explosion. And yes, as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish proves it with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Here’s why:
- Bold, savory flavor: Taco spices, cheese, and salsa come together for a seriously crave-worthy combo.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights!
- Customizable toppings: Sour cream, extra cheese, tortilla chips…yes, please!
Much like our Taco Mac and Cheese Bake, this pasta is a hearty, family-approved winner that’s ready to please a crowd.
How to Make Cheesy Taco Pasta
Quick Overview
This one-pan wonder goes from stovetop to table in just 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a perfect beginner-friendly recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound pasta (large shells)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
For Garnish:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Step-by-Step:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add cooking oil.
- Once hot, add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned.
- Add diced onions and cook until soft. Then add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, taco seasoning, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in water, stir well, and let it simmer until the liquid is mostly evaporated.
- Add the cooked pasta, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully combined and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with extra shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
What to Serve Cheesy Taco Pasta With:
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of Mexican street corn, a fresh green salad, or avocado slices. Want to make it a party? Add a pitcher of margaritas or chilled horchata on the side.
Top Tips for Perfecting Taco Pasta
- Cook pasta al dente: It will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Use your favorite salsa: Chunky, spicy, or mild—whatever suits your taste!
- Mix up the cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Add veggies: Corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers are great additions.
- Crush tortilla chips fresh for extra crunch on top.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives.
Is this dish spicy? It has a mild to medium kick. Adjust red pepper flakes or choose a mild salsa to tone it down.
Can I make it ahead of time? Definitely. Prepare the pasta, combine, and reheat before serving. It reheats beautifully!
Conclusion
Cheesy Taco Pasta is a flavor-packed fusion meal that combines the best of tacos and pasta into one irresistible dish. With bold spices, hearty beef, and gooey cheese, it’s a comforting dinner that’s quick to make and even quicker to disappear. Give it a try and make your dinner table the tastiest place to be tonight!
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound pasta (large shells)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- Garnish:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add diced onions and sauté until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, taco seasoning, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in the water and simmer until liquid reduces slightly.
- Add cooked pasta, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Top with extra shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and parsley before serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans for more texture and nutrition. Adjust spice levels with salsa and red pepper flakes to your taste.
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot
Ingredients
Pasta
- 0.5 pound large shells pasta
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Liquid
- 0.75 cup water
Cooking Oil
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp pepper
Garnish
- 0.5 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add diced onions and sauté until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, taco seasoning, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in the water and simmer until liquid reduces slightly.
- Add cooked pasta, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Top with extra shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and parsley before serving.
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