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 searching for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that comes together in one skillet and never fails to delight everyone at the table, look no further than this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe. Think tender pasta twirled up with perfectly seasoned beef, melty pockets of cheddar and Monterey Jack, fiery kicks from green chilies, and a dreamy, creamy finish—all with the best Tex-Mex flair! Whether you’re wrangling a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this is the kind of comforting mashup that wins hearts, tempts second helpings, and keeps cleanup easy.

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen not just for flavor, but also for color, texture, and that irresistible comfort food vibe. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some essential tips to make every bite memorable.

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef for irresistible flavor.
Ground beef: The main protein—choose 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
Onion: When diced and sautéed, it adds sweetness and depth to the base.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that signature, aromatic kick every Tex-Mex dish deserves.
Taco seasoning: Use your favorite blend or homemade; it turns everything savory, spicy, and bold.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Bring a punchy, tangy tomato note and just the right amount of heat.
Beef broth: Infuses the pasta and sauce with savory, meaty flavor as it cooks.
Uncooked pasta (rotini or shells): These fun shapes soak up all the sauce and keep every forkful interesting.
Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for a rich, creamy finish that makes the sauce extra luscious.
Cheddar cheese: Delivers classic tang and irresistible melt-in-your-mouth appeal.
Monterey Jack cheese: Brings a creamy, mild contrast to the cheddar—perfect for gooey, stretchy bites.
Salt and pepper: Added to taste at the end, letting all the big Tex-Mex flavors shine.
Cilantro or green onions (optional, for garnish): Fresh herbiness or mild onion crunch take your garnish game up a notch.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Start the Flavor Party

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks so you get those delicious little browned bits everywhere. Once the beef is deeply browned (and your kitchen already smells incredible), drain off any excess grease to keep the dish light and saucy.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and the freshly minced garlic straight into the skillet with the beef. Cook everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and turn translucent. This is what lays down a savory, aromatic baseline for the Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe.

Step 3: Season It Up and Add the Tomatoes

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir until the beef mixture is evenly coated—this is where all that classic Tex-Mex personality starts to shine. Toss in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, making sure to include their juices for maximum flavor, and pour in the beef broth so you have plenty of liquid for the pasta to cook in.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Now, without any pre-boiling, stir in your uncooked pasta (rotini or shells work perfectly). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and let it cook on medium-low for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking, and watch as the pasta turns tender, soaks up all those Tex-Mex flavors, and the sauce reduces to creamy perfection.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Creamy Goodness

Once the pasta is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the sour cream, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese until everything melts into a luxuriously creamy, cheesy sauce. Taste, then add salt and pepper as needed. Your Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is now at its ooey-gooey best!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot

Spoon the hot pasta into serving bowls and shower it with chopped cilantro or green onions for freshness and color. Serve immediately while it’s at its bubbly, cheesy prime.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

You can never have too many topping options with this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe! Chopped cilantro or green onions are classic, but feel free to add diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips for crunch, a squeeze of lime, or even a little hot sauce for extra zing.

Side Dishes

This dish is a star on its own, but it loves good company. Pair it with a simple side salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette, a bowl of black beans, or buttery sweet corn for a true Tex-Mex-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, scoop your Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe into small ramekins, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly for a fun twist. Or, serve it family-style right from the skillet with a buffet of toppings so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. The Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or easy lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, simply let the pasta cool, divide it into portions, and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For a quick reheat, pop a single bowl in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to bring back its creamy texture. If you’re reheating a larger batch, warm it gently on the stovetop, stirring in a little liquid as needed so the sauce stays luscious and smooth.

FAQs

Can I substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work beautifully in this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe. They’ll lighten things up without sacrificing any of that wonderful Tex-Mex flavor, so it’s a great move if you want a leaner version.

What type Main Course

Rotini and small shells are my top picks—they hold onto the cheesy sauce and bits of savory beef in every bite. Penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni will all work well depending on your pantry.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s got just a gentle kick from the diced tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. For more heat, add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. To tone it down, choose a mild variety of canned tomatoes and a mild taco seasoning.

Can I make this dish gluten free?

Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta brand and double-check that your taco seasoning is gluten free. The rest of the Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is naturally gluten-free and just as delicious.

Can I add extra veggies or beans?

Definitely! Sauté bell peppers, corn, or toss in a handful of black beans for added color, crunch, and protein. This recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative and make it yours.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever got through a busy day without it. Comforting, quick, and completely craveable—it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to share with friends or just keep all to yourself. Gather up those ingredients and let your one-skillet wonder begin!

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 18 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 one-pot wonder filled with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheeses, and Tex-Mex flavors, this dish is a family favorite that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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)

For finishing:

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

Prepare the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and garlic, cook until softened.
Add seasonings: Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Simmer.
Cook the pasta: Stir in uncooked pasta, cover, and cook until tender.
Finish the dish: Remove from heat, stir in sour cream and cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish and serve hot.