Cheesy Taco Pasta. I mean, what sounds bad about that?! Absolutely nothing. This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s a fun spin on our weekly Taco Tuesday. Seasoned ground beef, creamy queso, and perfectly cooked pasta shells come together to make an easy comfort meal that everyone will love!
Grab a pot and let’s get started!
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
let’s chat!
Not only is this Cheesy Taco Pasta amazing and so easy to put together, but its a one-pot hero. No one has time for extra dishes and I certainly don’t either.
This recipe is easily customizable, too. Use your favorite protein and your favorite pasta. I love to serve this alongside tortilla chips and a simple side salad. You cannot go wrong with this dish!
Cheesy Taco Pasta is a hit with the kids, my husband loves it, and it’s perfect when you need that nostalgic meat and cheese pasta dish. And, don’t forget those garnishes. Anything that goes on a taco can be throw on this dish. Just imagine, a warm bowl of this pasta topped with spicy pico de gallo, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. Now, I’m hungry. Let’s get to cooking!
cheesy taco pasta ingredients
- ground beef
- taco seasoning
- queso
- onion
- garlic
- tomato
- chicken broth
- whole milk
- medium pasta shells
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
- shredded cheese, pico de gallo, cilantro, sour cream – for garnish
how to make the best cheesy taco pasta
Time needed: 40 minutes
To make the best Cheesy Taco Pasta ever, simply:
- Cook the beef, onions, and garlic.
In a large skillet, brown the beef along with the onions and garlic. Once the beef is cooked through, add the diced tomatoes and pasta.
- Simmer the pasta.
Add the broth and milk and let the mixture simmer until the pasta is cooked to al dente.
- Add the queso and make the sauce.
Add the queso, stirring to incorporate with the shells and beef.
- Garnish and enjoy!
Garnish your Cheesy Taco Pasta with shredded cheese, pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, and sour cream. Serve and watch the people go wild!
frequently asked questions
You can use whatever protein you like! Ground turkey, ground chicken, and even tofu crumbles would work here. This is also a perfect recipe to incorporate any leftover protein you have in the fridge as well.
This Cheesy Taco Pasta will stay good in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Why, yes. Yes, I do! My Queso Fundido recipe is so easy and so delicious, you’ll make it again and again!
Use whatever pasta you like and have on hand. My kids love a shell, so that’s what we’re using!
Queso can be found in most grocery stores. There is usually a jarred version on the chip aisle. However, I usually prefer the ones that can be found in the refrigerated sections of the store. In my neck of the woods, I can find queso near the sour cream.
If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, use canned tomatoes or leave them out all together. You can also use canned tomatoes with green chiles and it would be amazing. If you use a canned tomato product, I do suggest straining the liquid for this recipe.
other great recipes
shop kitchen essentials
Taco Pasta
Equipment
- braiser or large pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2-3 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 med onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh tomato, diced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups queso
- 16 oz medium pasta shells
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or braiser, cook ground beef, onion, garlic with the taco seasoning until meat is browned and cooked through.
- Add tomatoes and pasta, stirring to combine. Add broth and milk. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until pasta is cooked to just tender. Stir often.
- Turn heat down and stir in the queso, stirring until everything is combined and mixture is creamy. This should just take a few more minutes.
- Divide into serving bowls, garnish, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don’t hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
–Rufus
Rufus for Real is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a commission, with no additional cost to you, if you purchase through those links.
reader favorite recipes
If you guys make this Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Made this tonight for dinner and it was absolutely delicious. Used beef broth And queso in a jar because that’s what I had .My husband and I both had seconds. This was a slam dunk
I am so very glad you loved it! Thank you so very much for leaving your thoughts!