Cheesy Taco Pasta

Craving something irresistibly cheesy, full of bold taco flavor, and guaranteed to wow everyone around the table? Cheesy Taco Pasta is the answer! This fusion favorite teams up hearty ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, tender pasta, and a creamy, melty cheese sauce for a dish that's outrageously comforting.

Imagine everything you love about tacos—richly spiced meat, tangy tomatoes, and savory cheese—all wrapped up in the easiest, most satisfying pasta bake. It’s a quick one-pot wonder that bursts with Tex-Mex flair, perfect for busy weeknights or fun family gatherings.

My family asks for this every Taco Tuesday, and I love how easy it is to customize. Trust me, after one bite, Cheesy Taco Pasta will become your new mealtime obsession!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold taco flavor in every bite.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal prep—perfect for hectic weeknights.
• One pot, less mess: Everything cooks together, so cleanup is a breeze.
• Family friendly: Picky eaters and adults alike will devour this pasta.
• Super customizable: Adjust ingredients and toppings to your taste or dietary needs.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Taco Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Beef

The heart and soul of this recipe, ground beef brings savory richness and satisfying texture. Use lean (85% or 90%) for a good balance of flavor and less grease, but any ground beef will work. If you prefer, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist—just keep in mind the result will be milder, so bump up the seasoning as needed.

Taco Seasoning

This is where the bold, zesty Tex-Mex flavor shines! Use a good-quality store-bought taco seasoning, or make your own if you like to control the spice and salt levels. Low-sodium blends are great for keeping things balanced. You could also swap in fajita seasoning for a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.

Pasta

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best here. They cling onto the sauce and make each bite hearty. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are fine substitutions—just adjust cook time slightly and monitor texture so the pasta doesn’t get mushy.

Salsa

Salsa adds tang, brightness, and a touch of heat. Pick your favorite jarred salsa—chunky, smooth, mild, or hot based on your preference. For a smoky flavor, use a fire-roasted salsa or even a can of Rotel tomatoes. If salsa isn’t on hand, diced tomatoes with green chiles can fill in.

Shredded Cheese

Cheese is the finishing touch that makes this pasta outrageously creamy and gooey! Cheddar melts beautifully and brings classic taco flavor, but Monterey Jack, a Mexican cheese blend, or even Pepper Jack for a spicy kick all work perfectly. Feel free to use what you have—the cheesier, the better!

Instructions for Cheesy Taco Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini or penne just until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside. (Tip: Undercook by 1 minute for the best texture, since it’ll cook more in the sauce.)

Brown the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the ground beef and onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Mix in the salsa and drained diced tomatoes. Pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine everything. Bring to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld for about 3-4 minutes.

Make It Cheesy

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese cubes, letting them melt into the sauce for a silky texture. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar, stirring until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the cheesy taco sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is gooey and melted.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish liberally with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and watch it disappear!

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Love it hot? Swap in hot salsa, add a diced jalapeño with the onions, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes for extra heat. Pepper Jack cheese also brings a spicy kick that fans of heat will love.

Veggie-Packed Version

Toss in chopped bell peppers, corn, drained black beans, or zucchini to boost the nutrition and color. Simply sauté extra veggies with the onion and beef and proceed as directed.

Lighter & Leaner

For a lighter take, use ground turkey or chicken and swap the cream cheese for reduced-fat Neufchâtel. You can also substitute whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber and protein.

Gluten-Free Option

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just be cautious not to overcook it, as it can break down more easily when mixed with sauce.

Make It Vegetarian

Skip the meat altogether! Sauté onion and garlic as directed, then add 2 cans of drained black beans or pinto beans. Boost flavor with extra veggies or mushrooms, and follow the rest of the recipe as written.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheesy Taco Pasta piping hot straight from the skillet topped with extra cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños. Pair with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. Warm garlic bread or crispy tortilla chips on the side make this dinner even more fun!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions with a splash of broth or water to keep them creamy, or gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Cheesy Taco Pasta also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above, adding extra cheese as needed to refresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Taco Pasta (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Cheesy Taco Pasta ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare as directed, then cool, cover, and refrigerate. Reheat on the stove or in the oven with a splash of broth and more cheese until bubbly.

Q: What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
A: Short shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best because they hold onto the cheesy sauce. Feel free to use your favorite!

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Corn, bell peppers, black beans, and zucchini all taste great in this recipe—just sauté them with the onions and beef for extra flavor and nutrition.

Loved this cheesy, comforting twist on taco night? Cheesy Taco Pasta is pure family-pleasing comfort food that's both easy and delicious. Give it a try, then leave a comment or rating below—I can’t wait to hear how you made it your own!