There's something magical about the way Cheesy Taco Pasta combines the best of two worlds: the hearty, spicy flavors of tacos and the comforting, creamy goodness of pasta. As the cheese melts into the bold taco-seasoned ground beef, you're left with a dish that's pure comfort food perfection.

I first discovered this recipe on a whim during a family taco night when I ran out of tortillas. A quick pivot to using pasta instead led to what is now one of our most requested weeknight dinners. If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, satisfying, and loved by all ages, this is it.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Taco Pasta

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new go-to dinner. Cheesy Taco Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish – it’s a fusion of flavor and convenience that’ll have you coming back for more.

First and foremost, it’s ridiculously easy to make. With just a single skillet and about 30 minutes, you can have a warm, cheesy, and flavorful dinner on the table without breaking a sweat.

This recipe is also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or a group of hungry friends, everyone loves the combination of cheesy, taco-inspired flavors with tender pasta. It’s like a taco in comfort food form!

Worried about leftovers? Don’t be. This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Lastly, it’s endlessly customizable. Add veggies, swap the protein, or adjust the spice level – it’s a dish that adapts to what you have in your fridge or pantry.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to Cheesy Taco Pasta lies in its balance of simple ingredients and bold flavors. Here's what you'll need and why each component is essential:

Ground beef: The foundation of the dish, providing a hearty base that soaks up the taco seasoning perfectly. For a leaner option, substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
Taco seasoning: This blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and more infuses the beef with classic taco flavors. You can use store-bought packets or your own homemade mix for a personalized touch.
Pasta: Short shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best. Their ridges and curves hold onto the sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: These add a touch of tang and spice, brightening up the dish. If you prefer less heat, use plain diced tomatoes.
Cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese: The duo that creates the creamy, cheesy magic. The cream cheese gives the sauce a luscious texture, while cheddar provides that signature cheesy taco flavor.
Chicken broth: This helps create a silky sauce and keeps the dish from drying out as it simmers. Swap with vegetable broth if preferred.

Special Equipment: A large skillet with a lid is all you need to make this one-pan wonder!

How To Make This Cheesy Taco Pasta

Creating Cheesy Taco Pasta is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof dinner.

Cook the beef: Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks, and drain any excess grease once it’s fully browned.
Add the flavor: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring to coat the beef evenly. Then, add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (juice included) and stir until combined.
Cook the pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add your uncooked pasta, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Make it cheesy: Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy base. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt into a gooey, irresistible layer.
Serve and enjoy: Give everything a final stir, garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired, and serve piping hot. Dinner is served in under 30 minutes!

Storage Options

Leftovers of Cheesy Taco Pasta are just as delightful as the first bite. Here's how to store and reheat it properly:

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well! Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stove over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Cheesy Taco Pasta is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to mix things up:

Make it vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for black beans or plant-based meat alternatives. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for a heartier dish.
Adjust the spice: For a milder version, use plain diced tomatoes and cut back on the taco seasoning. Love heat? Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.
Switch up the cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicier kick or mozzarella for a milder, stringy texture.
Use a different protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work beautifully in this recipe.
Add toppings: Customize your plate with sour cream, sliced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or fresh salsa for a taco-inspired finish.

This Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe is proof that you don’t need to choose between tacos and pasta – you can have both! With its creamy, cheesy sauce and bold, taco-spiced flavors, it’s a dish your family will request again and again. Why not give it a try tonight? You’re only 30 minutes away from a new weeknight favorite.