Description
Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a quick and comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef with tender pasta, melted cheese, and flavorful salsa. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers the delicious taste of tacos in a creamy pasta form that’s satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or taco blend)
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked through.
- Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving a small amount to help cook the seasonings and avoid dryness.
- Add Seasonings and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, salsa, and a little water (up to ½ cup) to the beef in the skillet. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Gently stir everything together to evenly combine the pasta with the seasoned sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the pasta and beef mixture. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Optional Broil: For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, optionally transfer the dish to a broiler-safe pan, top with extra cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy beef taco pasta hot. Garnish with optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni for best results.
- Choose your preferred cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, adding a splash of water or salsa to restore creaminess.
- For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it a one-pan meal by cooking the pasta separately and combining at the end.
