A quick and flavorful pasta dish that combines the zesty flavors of tacos with creamy, cheesy goodness for a family-friendly meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• A kid-friendly twist on traditional taco night.
• Easily customizable with your favorite taco toppings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rotini pasta
• Ground beef
• Taco seasoning
• Water
• Salsa
• Shredded Mexican cheese blend

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
3. Season the Beef: Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet with the beef. Stir well and simmer until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and salsa to the skillet, stirring to combine.
5. Add Cheese: Stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Remove from heat and top with the remaining cheese. Let the cheese melt before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Use spicy salsa or add jalapeños for a heat-packed kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to refresh the sauce, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based meat or add extra beans and vegetables.

2. What pasta shapes work best?

Rotini is great, but penne, shells, or fusilli also work well.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

4. How can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese altogether.

5. Can I add toppings?

Yes, garnish with sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

6. What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

Use a homemade mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.

7. Can I make this spicier?

Use hot salsa, add red pepper flakes, or mix in your favorite hot sauce.

8. How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Mix the cheese into the hot pasta and beef mixture gradually for smooth melting.

9. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes, but ensure it’s reheated and slightly undercooked to absorb the flavors better.

10. What’s the best type of cheese to use?

Mexican cheese blends or cheddar melt beautifully and add rich flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy taco pasta is a quick, comforting dish that’s perfect for taco lovers and pasta fans alike. Packed with flavor and easily customizable, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will be on your table in no time!

Cheesy Taco Pasta

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• Author: Mariem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stove-Top
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

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Description

Satisfy your taco cravings with this one-pot Cheesy Taco Pasta! A quick and flavorful dinner loaded with seasoned beef, salsa, and gooey cheese. #tacopasta #cheesypasta #easydinner

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups salsa (mild, medium, or spicy)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (divided)

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Instructions

• Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
• Cook the Beef:
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
• Season the Beef:
  • Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup water to the cooked beef. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Combine Pasta and Salsa:
  • Add the cooked pasta and salsa to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine.
• Add Cheese:
  • Stir in 1½ cups of shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
• Top and Serve:
  • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top. Cover with a lid for 1–2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Notes

• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot salsa, or add diced jalapeños for extra spice.
• Optional Add-Ins: Stir in black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
• Make It Creamier: Add ¼ cup of sour cream or cream cheese for an even richer sauce.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Substitute Proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work just as well in this recipe.