Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta: The Perfect Weeknight Dinner
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is the ultimate fusion of taco night and pasta night. This one-pot wonder combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and loads of melty cheese. It’s quick, hearty, and absolutely packed with bold, zesty flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This easy recipe calls for simple pantry and fridge staples:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for more heat)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, sour cream, or green onions for topping (optional)
How to Make Cheesy Taco Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is soft and the beef is fully browned. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir well. Cover and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy
Remove the lid and reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve hot with your favorite toppings—sour cream, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of cilantro. A side of tortilla chips adds a fun crunch!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- One-pot, easy cleanup
- Cheesy, saucy, and full of taco flavor
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
- Done in under 30 minutes
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
Tasty Variations to Try
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture
- Spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken
- Use taco shells instead of pasta for a casserole-style bake
- Add cream cheese for extra richness
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Cheesy Taco Pasta with:
- A crisp green salad
- Mexican street corn
- Guacamole and chips
- A glass of cold iced tea or lemonade
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or water
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months for quick dinners later
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is everything you love about tacos and pasta rolled into one comforting, cheesy skillet meal. It’s rich, hearty, and satisfying, with flavors the whole family will crave again and again.
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Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta: A Comfort Food Classic with a Tex-Mex Twist
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
A fun fusion of taco night and pasta night — loaded with flavor, cheese, and all the fixins!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or plant-based beef)
1 small onion, diced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 1 tbsp homemade blend)
1 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
8 oz elbow pasta or penne
Optional: 1 clove garlic, minced
Toppings: chopped cilantro, avocado, sour cream, salsa, green onions
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
In a skillet, cook beef and onion until browned. Drain fat.
Add taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Simmer 5–7 mins.
Stir in cooked pasta and mix well. Remove from heat, then stir in cheese until melted.
Serve warm with your favorite taco-style toppings!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~450 kcal per