Elevate your dinner with this cheesy taco pasta recipe! Flavorful ground beef taco meat, cheesy and pasta combined to give you all the right cheesy bold taco flavors.
Skip the pasta and just make classic ground beef tacos or my baked beef taco dip recipe!
CHEESY TACO PASTA
This hearty taco pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner! Ground beef, tomatoes, taco seasonings and cream cheese combined to create a creamy bold taco flavored sauce that is then mixed with tender pasta and cheese. Whether you’re making dinner for busy weeknights or just craving something hearty, this cheesy creation brings the best of Taco Tuesday and pasta night together in one irresistible meal.
WHAT YOU NEED-
- Pasta– Short pasta is recommended for this dish! You can use any of your favorite short pasta, such as rotini, elbow, shells, penne, and bowtie pasta. You can also swap the pasta out for a gluten free short pasta.
- Beef– Be sure to use lean ground beef for this pasta dish, such as 80/20 or 85/15 lean ground beef. You can also swap the beef out for ground turkey.
- Onion– Either sweet, yellow or red onion can be used for this pasta. The added onions gives this dish added flavors!
- Garlic– Freshly minced garlic or jarred minced garlic works great.
- Rotel Tomatoes– You can use either canned Rotel tomatoes or canned tomatoes and canned green chilies. Based on your preference you can use either hot or mild Rotel tomatoes.
- Taco Seasoning– This wouldn’t be taco flavored without the taco seasoning! You can use either store-bought taco seasoning or homemade!
- Cream Cheese– To achieve creamy pasta sauce, this recipe used cream cheese. You can use either classic or low-fat cream cheese.
- Cheese– Any of your favorite shredded cheese can be used, like mozzarella, mild cheddar, or taco blend cheese can be used.
- Cilantro– Adding freshly chopped cilantro to the pasta gives you so much added flavors! You can use either cilantro, parsley, or a mix of both.
- Flavors– You want to also season the dish with salad and pepper for added flavors. This is totally optional.
HOW TO MAKE GROUND BEEF TACO PASTA
This recipe comes together so quickly and a great weeknight dinner, especially for taco Tuesdays!
- Cook the pasta in a large pot, according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse then set side.
- Meanwhile, sauté the ground beef and onions in a deep skillet until the beef has browned.
- Once the beef has browned, add the minced garlic and taco seasoning and mix until well combined.
- Add the rotel tomatoes and cream cheese to the skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add the shredded cheese and mix until it melts.
- Add the cooked pasta, chopped cilantro, and additional shredded cheese to the skillet and mix until well combined.
- Serve immediately with additional cheese and cilantro.
PASTA VARIATIONS
Load this pasta up with different taco ingredients for a heartier pasta dish! Here are some different additions you can add to this pasta:
- Jalapenos
- Black Beans
- Tomatoes
- Corn
- Peppers
QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE:
You can swap the cream cheese out for sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
No, do not strain the rotel tomatoes! You want all those juices for the pasta sauce.
No, you can swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey. You can also leave out the meat and use beans instead for protein.
Once the pasta has cooled, cover or transfer the pasta to a container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheat the pasta in a skillet with an additional 2-3 tablespoons of milk and shredded cheese to the pasta and sauté until reheated and creamy.
Yes! Once the pasta Is cooled, transfer the pasta into a freezer safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight and reheat and enjoy.
OTHER MEXICAN-INSPIRED RECIPES-
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 10 oz canned rotel tomtaoes
- 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot, according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain, cover and set side.
- In a large deep skillet, heat oil on medium high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until browned.
- Once the beef has browned, add the minced garlic, taco seasoning, salt and pepper and cook until garlic is fragrant.
- Add the rotel tomatoes and cream cheese to the skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Add the shredded cheese and mix. (As the sauce cooks, taste and adjust the seasonings to your preference.)
- Turn off the heat, add the cooked pasta, chopped cilantro, and additional shredded cheese to the skillet and mix until well combined.
- Serve immediately with additional cheese and cilantro.
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