Cheesy Taco Pasta

Name: Cheesy Taco Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (I used 80/20); 1 packet taco seasoning; 1 1/2 cups southwest salsa; 1/2 cup water; 1/2 lb pasta (I used rotini); 2 cups cheddar cheese (grated); 1/4 cup cream; salt & pepper (to taste)

5 from 8 votes

37 comments

May 19, 2022

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Cheesy Taco Pasta is a delicious step up from boxed dinners! This quick and easy dinner is made with cheddar cheese, ground beef, taco seasoning, your favorite salsa and tossed with noodles. Dinner is ready in just 15 minutes and its full of flavor the whole family will love. Serve along side my Cowboy Caviar or Classic Guacamole and tortilla chips.

A Few Notes About the Ingredients I Used

Easy, fast, and delicious with a capital D! Cheesy southwest goodness on your fork. Yes, please! You can totally tweak this recipe to your liking. Here is what I prefer to use:

Ground Beef – I used 80/20. If you’d like to make this recipe even healthier, opt for ground turkey instead of ground beef!
Taco Seasoning – either use store-bought or use homemade taco seasoning.
Southwest Salsa – use whatever brand you like best. Also if you like things spicy, get a spicier salsa! Don’t be afraid to change this pasta recipe to your liking.
Pasta – I used a corkscrew pasta but feel free to use what you have on hand (pasta, bowtie, macaroni). I wouldn’t recommend spaghetti or fettucini noodles though!
Cheddar Cheese – freshly grate your cheese for best results! Feel free to use less or more cheese as well!
Cream – this can be whole milk, heavy cream, or half & half.

How to Make Taco Pasta

Cheesy Taco Pasta is incredibly easy to make which only adds to its charm! Simply cook your pasta and while the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce! Once the pasta is finished, throw together the sauce and top with cheese and cream. SO GOOD! For full details see the recipe card below.

Cook Pasta

Bring water to a boil then cook the pasta until al dente (look at the packaging for cook times).

Make the Meat Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet cook ground beef. Once cooked, drain the meat in a colander and run under hot water to get rid of extra fat. Replace the beef into the wiped out pan with taco seasoning, salsa, and water. Simmer until the pasta is done.

Drain Pasta + Combine with Sauce

Drain pasta and add to the ground beef mixture. Toss to coat, then top with cheese, cream, salt, and pepper. Stir to melt cheese, then serve immediately.

Topping Ideas

Here are a couple of great ideas to top your taco pasta with (totally optional):

sour cream
sliced avocado
diced tomatoes
cilantro
tortilla strip chips
sliced jalapenos

Leftovers + Storage

Any leftovers you have can be enjoyed for up to 5 days! Be sure to store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Cheesy Taco Pasta?

Yes! Not only is this meal delicious and kid-friendly, but it also freezes like a dream! Be sure to allow to cool completely to room temperature before placing it in the freezer. Store in an airtight freezer safe container. Taco Pasta will stay fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months.

scooping out cheesy taco pasta from skillet

Love Cheesy Taco Pasta? More Taco Recipes to Try!

Be sure to check out all my other taco recipes. Here are a couple of highlights:

You all are going to love this Taco Pasta Recipe! Printable recipe card is below. Enjoy, friends!:)

5 from 8 votes