Creamy Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe: A Fiesta in a Bowl

Weeknight dinners demand serious flavor, and this cheesy beef taco pasta strikes the perfect balance between comfort and excitement.

Packed with bold spices and melted cheese, the recipe combines classic Mexican-inspired ingredients with hearty pasta.

Ground beef sizzles with aromatic seasonings, creating a mouthwatering base that promises to satisfy hungry crowds.

Each forkful delivers a zesty blend of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving something delicious and substantial.

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with taco-inspired goodness, this pasta promises to become a new dinner favorite that everyone will request again and again.

Prepare to transform an ordinary evening into a celebration of flavor.

Why Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Is a Must-Try

• Whip up a satisfying meal that combines the zesty flavors of tacos with creamy pasta in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected hunger attacks.
• Personalize this versatile dish by adding your favorite toppings like diced jalapeños, sour cream, or fresh cilantro to match your taste preferences and spice level.
• Delight the entire family with a recipe that blends familiar taco flavors and cheesy pasta, making it a guaranteed hit for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
• Prepare this one-skillet wonder that minimizes dirty dishes while maximizing flavor, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.

Everything Needed for Beef Taco Pasta Bliss

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the base protein for this delicious pasta dish.

• Small Pasta Shells: These curved pasta shapes perfectly catch and hold the cheesy sauce.

• Velveeta Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Creamy melting cheeses that create a rich and smooth sauce with deep flavor.

• Taco Seasoning: A zesty blend that adds authentic Mexican-inspired taste to the dish.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Spicy canned tomatoes that provide extra moisture and tangy flavor.

• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce with perfect consistency.

Gear Up for Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta Nights

• Large Skillet: Perfect for browning beef and mixing ingredients with plenty of room to stir.
• Cooking Pot: Essential for boiling and draining pasta shells.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring milk and cheese.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Can Opener: Required to open the Rotel can.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for grating fresh sharp cheddar cheese.

How to Cook Beef Taco Pasta at Home

Step 1: Sizzle The Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s completely cooked through.

Drain away any extra grease and set the beef aside for later.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Pasta Shells

Fill a pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

Cook the small pasta shells exactly as the package recommends.

Once tender, drain the pasta and keep it ready.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Return to the skillet where you cooked the beef.

Add Velveeta cheese and milk, stirring constantly over medium heat.

Keep mixing until the cheese transforms into a silky smooth sauce.

Step 4: Marry Pasta And Beef

Gently fold the cooked pasta shells and browned beef into the dreamy cheese sauce.

Stir everything together so each bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Spice Things Up

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the Rotel tomatoes.

Mix thoroughly to ensure every morsel gets coated with zesty goodness.

Step 6: Add Extra Cheese Kick

Toss in a generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese.

Stir until it melts completely, creating an even more decadent sauce.

Step 7: Serve And Devour

Scoop the steaming pasta into bowls and get ready to enjoy a comfort food masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Cheesy Pasta Tips for Rich Flavor

• Remove as much grease as possible to prevent a greasy, heavy texture in your final dish.
• Small shells work best for trapping the cheesy sauce, creating perfect bite-sized moments of flavor.
• Add milk gradually to control the sauce thickness, ensuring a creamy but not runny texture.
• Experiment with different taco seasoning brands or add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick and depth of flavor.
• Substitute ground turkey for beef and use reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier version of this comfort food classic.

Taco Pasta Variations for Extra Excitement

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version that keeps the same zesty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Swap regular pasta shells with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, using hot taco seasoning, or incorporating a splash of hot sauce for extra spiciness.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute pasta shells with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate meal option.

Serving Up Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta with Flair

• Taco Night Twist: Serve this cheesy beef pasta as a fun alternative to traditional tacos, letting everyone build their own plate with extra toppings.
• Fiesta Garnish Party: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or sliced jalapeños on top to add vibrant colors and extra zesty flavors.
• Creamy Comfort Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad or quick garlic bread to balance the rich, cheesy pasta and create a complete meal that satisfies hungry families.
• Side Kick Sensation: Add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of hot sauce for guests who want to customize their individual servings with personalized heat levels.

Best Ways to Store Cheesy Taco Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Transfer pasta to a skillet, add a splash of milk or water to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Cook for 4-5 minutes until pasta reaches desired temperature.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Small pasta shells are ideal as they hold the cheesy sauce well and create perfect bite-sized pieces that capture the beef and seasoning.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and will work perfectly with the same cooking method and seasoning.

• Is this dish spicy?

The Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning provide a mild to moderate spice level, but you can control the heat by choosing mild taco seasoning or using original Rotel.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version of this comfort food pasta dish.

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy beef taco pasta delivers Mexican-inspired comfort in one skillet. Quick weeknight dinner combines zesty ground beef, melted cheese, and pasta for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) ground beef
• 1 box small pasta shells
• 1 block Velveeta cheese
• 1 handful sharp cheddar cheese

Seasoning:

• 2 packs taco seasoning

Liquid/Canned Ingredients:

• 1 can original Rotel
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Sear the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until no pink remains. Thoroughly drain excess fat.
2. Simultaneously, boil water in a separate pot and cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta completely.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and add Velveeta cheese and milk. Gently whisk until cheese transforms into a silky, uniform sauce with no lumps.
4. Incorporate cooked pasta shells and browned beef into the molten cheese sauce, stirring carefully to ensure even distribution.
5. Sprinkle taco seasoning across the mixture, then add Rotel tomatoes. Stir vigorously to integrate all flavors thoroughly.
6. Scatter sharp cheddar cheese across the top, allowing residual heat to melt the shreds into a tantalizing golden layer.
7. Transfer immediately to serving dishes while piping hot, garnishing with optional fresh cilantro or green onions for added zest.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and make the dish healthier.
• Replace Velveeta with natural cheddar or monterey jack for a more artisan cheese flavor profile.
• Experiment with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Control sodium by using low-sodium taco seasoning and reduced-fat cheese varieties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg