There's something magical about combining two ultimate comfort foods—tacos and pasta—into one cheesy, flavorful dish. Cheesy Taco Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick, family-friendly, and irresistibly delicious. The bold flavors of seasoned ground beef meet tender pasta shells, all wrapped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that'll have everyone coming back for seconds.

I first tried this dish on a whim, attempting to satisfy both my taco-loving kids and my pasta-craving husband. One bite, and it was a unanimous hit! Now it’s a staple in our meal rotation. Let me walk you through why this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Taco Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this easy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying recipe. It’s not just a meal—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and creamy textures.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is short, but flavor is a priority.
Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of affordable ingredients, this recipe serves a family of four without breaking the bank.
Kid-Approved: The creamy, cheesy sauce and familiar taco flavors make this a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Customizable: Whether you’re craving a little heat or looking to sneak in extra veggies, this recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your preferences.
From the bubbling cheese to the spicy aroma of taco seasoning, every bite of this dish feels like comfort food perfection. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make it shine.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cheesy Taco Pasta lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Ground Beef: The base of the dish. Opt for an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. You can also substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat if you prefer.
- Taco Seasoning: This is where the magic happens! Store-bought works great, but if you have a homemade blend on hand, even better.
- Pasta Shells: Medium shells are ideal as they hold the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use elbow macaroni or rotini if that’s what you have on hand.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts into a creamy, flavorful sauce. For extra indulgence, mix in some Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Tomato Sauce and Salsa: A combination of these creates a robust, zesty base for the sauce. Choose a mild or spicy salsa depending on your heat preference.
You’ll also need a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta to bring this recipe together seamlessly.
How to Make This Cheesy Taco Pasta

Making Cheesy Taco Pasta is as simple as it is satisfying. Follow these steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute to bloom the spices. Then add the tomato sauce and salsa, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken and develop flavors.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the cheesy taco sauce. Let it all simmer together for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on those nights when you need something hearty and satisfying without a lot of effort.
Storage Options
One of the best things about this Cheesy Taco Pasta is how well it stores. Whether you have leftovers or want to make it ahead, here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and mix it with the reheated sauce for a just-made taste.
Variations and Substitutions
The flexibility of this dish means you can customize it to suit your family’s preferences. Here are some ideas to try:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans or crumbled tofu.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Protein Switch: Ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken work beautifully.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with a mix of cheeses like Gouda, Colby Jack, or queso fresco for a unique flavor twist.
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. The possibilities are endless, and every version is bound to be a hit!
Cheesy Taco Pasta is everything you could want in a weeknight dinner—quick, hearty, and brimming with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is a surefire winner. Whip it up tonight, and watch as it disappears from plates faster than you can say "seconds, please!"
PrintCheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
This cheesy taco pasta recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining the bold flavors of taco seasoning with creamy pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a family favorite that’s quick, easy, and packed with cheesy goodness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, shells, or elbow)
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, salsa, and water. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, then mix in the cooked pasta.
- Stir in shredded cheeses and sour cream until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and garnish as desired.
Notes
- Customize with toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños.
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter version.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 860mg
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