Cheesy Taco Pasta is an easy, one-pan dinner that combines pasta and taco-seasoned beef. It uses common pantry items and melts cheese into a creamy sauce for quick weeknight meals. Pair it with other easy tacos like Air Fryer Shrimp Taco Bites for a themed dinner night. The method is simple, forgiving, and works for cooks at any skill level. Make it for busy weeknights or family dinners when you want a fast, filling meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish balances seasoned beef with creamy melted cheese and tender pasta shells. It has bold taco flavor and a smooth, cheesy sauce. The mix of textures keeps each bite satisfying.
Browning the meat builds deep, savory flavor and gives a sturdy base. Simmering the sauce lets spices meld and reduces excess liquid. Adding pasta at the end ensures even sauce coating without mushy pasta. This approach gives predictable, repeatable results.
Serve with simple sides or try other taco-style recipes like Air Fryer Shrimp Taco Bites. These pair well and keep dinner fast and cohesive. Both recipes use simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Start with these basic items to keep the recipe quick and reliable.
- Pasta shells: Small shells hold sauce in each bite for good texture.
- Canola oil: Use a neutral oil to brown the meat without burning.
- Ground beef: Provides the base flavor and hearty texture for the dish.
- Diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meat.
- Minced garlic: Gives a savory note and enhances taco seasoning.
- Taco seasoning: Brings the classic taco flavor and spice blend.
- Salsa: Adds tomato flavor and a bit of liquid for the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a smooth, cheesy sauce for the pasta.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and rounds the savory flavor.
- Dried oregano: Lends a touch of herb flavor that pairs with the taco profile.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional for extra heat if you like spice.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjusts seasoning to taste.
- Water: Helps the seasoning blend and form the sauce when simmered.
Measurements are in the recipe card.
How to Make This Cheesy Taco Pasta
This recipe is straightforward and forgiving. Follow the steps for even results.
- Cook the pasta: Boil shells until just tender, drain, and set aside. Keep pasta slightly firm to prevent overcooking later.
- Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until no pink remains. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Sauté aromatics: Remove excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant.
- Add seasonings: Stir in taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer until the sauce reduces slightly.
- Combine with salsa: Pour in salsa and stir to blend the flavors. Let the mixture simmer briefly to meld the sauce.
- Finish with cheese and pasta: Add the cooked shells and shredded cheddar to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly, then serve hot.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips to get consistent results every time.
- Salt pasta water: It seasons the pasta from the inside for better overall flavor.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly firm shells hold up when mixed with sauce.
- Drain most fat: Leave a little fat for flavor but avoid a greasy dish.
- Adjust spice level: Add fewer red pepper flakes for milder taste.
- Melt cheese slowly: Stir cheese in off heat for a smoother sauce.
Stick to these steps for repeatable, reliable results.
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for draining pasta
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese)
Variations
- Ground turkey: Swap in turkey for a leaner option and similar texture.
- Plant-based crumbles: Use for a vegetarian-friendly, meatless version.
- Pepper jack cheese: Swap cheddar for pepper jack for more heat.
- Gluten-free pasta: Use certified gluten-free shells for dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
- Sour cream dollop: Adds cool creaminess to balance the spice.
- Chopped cilantro: Fresh herb for brightness and color.
- Sliced avocado: Adds cream and smooth texture to each bite.
- Tortilla chips: Provide crunch and work well as a side.
FAQs About This Recipe
A few quick answers to common questions.
How long does leftover pasta keep in the fridge?
Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Keep toppings separate to avoid sogginess. Label the container with the date and use within the time frame for best quality.
What is the best way to reheat servings?
Reheat single servings in the microwave until hot, stirring halfway. For better texture, warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water. Heat until steaming hot throughout before serving.
Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can brown the meat and make the sauce up to two days ahead. Keep cooked pasta separate in the fridge to avoid soaking. Combine and warm just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What are good ingredient substitutions?
Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian option. Swap cheddar for pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for more kick. Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to fit diets.
Is this recipe hard for beginners?
This recipe rates easy and suits beginners. Steps focus on browning meat and mixing ingredients. Timing the pasta is the main skill. Follow the steps and you will get reliable, repeatable results.
Conclusion
For a tested version and full recipe details, see full recipe on Dinner, then Dessert.
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the pasta shells until just tender, drain, and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it into small pieces.
- Remove excess fat, leaving a small amount for flavor. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in taco seasoning, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer until the sauce reduces slightly.
- Pour in salsa and stir to blend the flavors, letting the mixture simmer briefly.
- Add the cooked shells and shredded cheddar to the skillet, stirring until the cheese melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- Serve hot.
