Name: Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade); 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 2 cups beef broth; 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as rotini or shells); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

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If you’re craving a quick, soul-satisfying weeknight dinner packed with zesty flavor, melty cheese, and hearty beef, gather around for my Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe! This playful mashup brings together everything you love about classic tacos with cozy, creamy pasta in a one-pan wonder the whole family will cheer for. It’s bold, ultra-comforting, and ridiculously easy to whip up, making it an instant favorite whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or friends who love Tex-Mex delights.

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is in its straightforward, no-fuss ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role, delivering layers of flavor and texture you can truly taste in every blissful forkful.

Olive oil: Creates a golden base for browning the beef and unlocking the flavors of your aromatic veggies.
Ground beef: The star protein, bringing rich, savory taste and hearty texture that’s quintessential for this dish.
Small onion (diced): Adds gentle sweetness and depth, mellowing as it cooks down with the beef.
Garlic (minced): Fresh minced garlic makes the whole kitchen smell incredible and infuses the sauce.
Taco seasoning: Go with a packet or homemade blend for that signature Tex-Mex kick and warm spices.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Provides bursts of tangy flavor and a subtle heat that wakes up the pasta.
Beef broth: Forms a savory, flavorful liquid base that cooks the pasta right in the same pan.
Uncooked pasta (rotini or shells): These shapes trap all the saucy goodness, delivering maximum flavor in every bite.
Sour cream: Adds luscious creaminess and a gentle tang for that craveable finish.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the pasta with a bold cheesy punch and iconic color.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Brings delicate melt and rounds out the cheese factor for ultimate gooeyness.
Salt and pepper: Enhances all the other flavors, letting you fine-tune the final seasoning.
Chopped cilantro or green onions (optional): Fresh, colorful garnishes that add a bright burst to every bowl.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Allow it to brown completely, so you get those irresistible caramelized bits at the bottom. Once the meat is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink, drain off any excess grease for a lighter, less oily dish.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, stirring them right into the beef. As the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant (about 2 to 3 minutes), your whole kitchen will smell like savory Tex-Mex heaven, building anticipation for what’s about to come.

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Tomatoes

Now it’s time for the flavor explosion! Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything well, letting those seasonings bloom and mingle. Add the beef broth—this not only infuses the pasta with flavor but also gives the dish that one-pot, saucy magic.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in your uncooked pasta, making sure it’s nestled down in the liquid. This is where the Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe shines—everything cooks together, letting the noodles soak up all those savory juices. Cover your skillet and let it bubble gently over medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for tender pasta and a thickened, almost creamy sauce.

Step 5: Stir in the Creamy Goodness and Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in your sour cream, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese. Watch as everything swirls together into the most luscious, melty sauce. Season everything with salt and pepper to your liking. The cheesy, tangy, and zesty flavors come together in pure harmony.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Spoon your finished Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe into bowls and shower with a handful of chopped cilantro or green onions if you’re feeling fancy. Serve it up hot, and get ready for pure comfort in every bite!

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A great dish gets even better with a touch of something fresh on top. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or sliced green onions before serving for color, crunch, and a pop of herbaceous flavor. Feeling extra? Crumble a few tortilla chips or add diced avocado to make your Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe positively party-worthy.

Side Dishes

You can easily turn this into a full Tex-Mex spread with a simple green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette, roasted corn on the cob, or classic refried beans. A side of crunchy tortilla chips and pico de gallo never hurts, either! Basically, aim for anything cool and crisp to contrast all the gooey, cheesy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve the pasta right in the skillet—rustic and family-style—or spoon it into small ramekins for individual portions at a dinner party. Make a “taco pasta bar” with bowls of extra toppings so everyone personalizes their own. You can even stuff leftovers into bell peppers, bake, and enjoy a next-level twist on stuffed peppers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe stores beautifully! Simply transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it a fantastic lunch or second-round dinner.

Freezing

Want to savor those cheesy, taco-inspired flavors later on? Let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months—just note that the texture may be a bit softer after thawing, but the flavor remains delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring every so often. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of beef broth or milk to bring it back to creamy perfection.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the full dish a day in advance, store it in the fridge, then gently reheat just before serving. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken work well for a lighter twist, and you can even use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. Just keep an eye on seasoning and adjust as needed.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

No problem! Simply mix together 1 teaspoon each of chili powder and cumin, 1/2 teaspoon each of paprika and garlic powder, plus a pinch of oregano and cayenne pepper. Instant homemade taco flair!

Can I add vegetables or beans?

Yes! Stir in black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers during the pasta cooking step for extra texture, flavor, and color. It’s a great way to clean out your crisper or add more nutrients.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?

Short, nubby shapes like rotini, shells, or penne are ideal. They capture all that luscious sauce and cheese, making every bite a little treasure. Avoid long noodles, as they won’t hold the sauce as well.

Final Thoughts

Give this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe a try and watch it become a crowd-pleasing favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. It checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, cheesy, and deeply comforting. Gather your loved ones, dig in, and enjoy every joyful, spicy, creamy forkful!

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta recipe. A delicious one-pot meal that combines the flavors of tacos with creamy, cheesy pasta for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.

Ingredients

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For the Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cups beef broth
2 cups uncooked pasta (such as rotini or shells)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Saute onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth.
Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish the dish: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream and both cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired and serve hot.