Cheesy Taco Pasta is a fun and tasty dish that brings together the best of two favorites—warm, seasoned taco flavors and gooey, melted cheese mixed with pasta. This dish usually features ground beef or turkey cooked with classic taco spices, combined with pasta noodles all coated in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s like taco night and comfort food had a perfect, cheesy baby.
I love making Cheesy Taco Pasta because it’s so quick and satisfying, especially on busy weeknights. I usually throw in some diced tomatoes and a little bit of salsa to amp up the taco vibe and add a fresh pop of flavor. Plus, the melty cheese makes it feel like a treat, but without any extra fuss. It’s a big hit with kids and adults alike in my house!
When I serve this dish, I like to top it off with some crunchy tortilla chips and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or cilantro for a little brightness. It’s also great with a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice to add a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy goodness. This one always brings smiles around the dinner table and leftovers are just as good reheated.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds sauce well, making it great here. You can swap it for penne, shells, or even elbow macaroni if that’s what you have.
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds richness, but ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version. For a vegetarian twist, try plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.
Taco Seasoning: This brings the classic taco flavor. If you don’t have a packet, mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust spice levels to taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts nicely and adds sharpness. You can substitute with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican cheese blend.
Sour Cream: Optional but adds creaminess and balances spices. Greek yogurt can be a tangy substitute if you prefer.
How Do I Keep the Pasta from Getting Mushy in Cheesy Taco Pasta?
Cooking pasta just right matters here to avoid mushy texture. Follow these tips:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than package suggests.
- Drain pasta and rinse briefly under cool water to stop cooking, then toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Add pasta to the sauce at the very end, cooking together only long enough to coat and warm through.
This helps keep your pasta firm and prevents it from soaking up too much sauce and getting soft. Trust me, it makes this dish much better!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I use this because it easily fits all ingredients and heats evenly. Perfect for browning meat and simmering the sauce.
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta. A big enough size makes cooking easier and less messy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients accurately, especially spices and liquids.
- Stirring spoon or spatula – a sturdy tool for mixing the sauce and pasta together smoothly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. Works well with the same seasonings.
- Mix in sautéed peppers, corn, or black beans for extra veggies and texture.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese to change up the flavor.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños if you like some heat.
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g. Rotel), drained
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes total. Around 10 minutes to prep and cook the pasta, 15-20 minutes to cook the beef mixture and combine everything for a hot, cheesy dish.
Detailed Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but tender). Drain the pasta well and set aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Brown the beef completely and drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary.
4. Add Seasonings and Simmer:
Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato paste (if using). Then add the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and beef broth. Mix everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken a bit.
5. Combine Pasta and Sour Cream:
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cooked pasta and sour cream (if you like it creamy). Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
6. Add Cheese and Melt:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir carefully until the cheese melts into a creamy, cheesy sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the cheesy taco pasta to a serving bowl or plate. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
8. Enjoy!
Serve this delicious, comforting dish warm and enjoy the cheesy, taco-flavored goodness with your family or friends!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef or Turkey?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the meat in the fridge overnight before cooking. Thawing helps it brown evenly and prevents excess water in the pan.
Can I Make Cheesy Taco Pasta Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Prepare the pasta and meat sauce separately, then combine and add cheese just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How Do I Reheat Leftovers Without Losing Creaminess?
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth if it seems dry. Stir frequently to evenly warm and keep the sauce creamy.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
You can use plain Greek yogurt as a tangy, creamy substitute. It works well and keeps the dish rich without changing the flavor too much.
