Cheesy Taco Pasta is a one-pot, 30-minute meal with tender pasta shells smothered with seasoned ground beef and creamy, cheesy queso! It's glorious and comforting and simple all in one!
Grab a pot and let's get started!
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There are dinner recipes and then there are dinner recipes that check all the boxes. This cheesy Taco Pasta the latter. Amazing and so easy to put together. One-pot and in 30 minutes.
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!
Tools of the Trade: A Cast Iron Braiser
I am not a huge fan of a ton of gadgets in the kitchen. You can invest in a few quality pieces that you will use all of the time and will last you a life time.
For this taco pasta, a good cast iron braiser or large cast iron skillet is the way to go. It's big enough to hold everything, it can get hot and stay hot, and will retain heat evenly. This allows us to not only cook the meat and veggies, but also be the perfect tool for keeping the heat for the pasta cooking as well!
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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Tomatoes - Canned tomatoes and chilis are the easiest way to go, in my opinion. Pico De Gallo or your favorite salsa would also be fabulous. For a fun twist on flavors, stir in some of my Salsa Verde - the tangy flavor would be just incredible!
Protein - You can use whatever protein you like! I'm a fan of lean ground beef for this recipe, but 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.
Add in other veggies - Quick cooking veggies like zucchini, squash, broccoli, bell peppers and even mushrooms would be fantastic! Stir in corn or black beans for a more Southwestern vibe!
Make it spicy - Sautè some jalapeños or your favorite chilis with the onion. Add a little cayenne or chipotle powder to the taco seasoning!
Pasta shape - You can use any pasta you like! The medium shells are really great because they collect that wonderful, cheesy meaty sauce. However, rotini, penne, or even a farfalle would be fantastic. You can also you long pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettucine would also be great and perfectly twirl-able on a fork!
Tips and Tricks
Let the taco pasta cool just slightly before serving. This will let the sauce thicken up just a bit.
If you find that you need more liquid to cook the pasta, feel free to add more broth or milk. Different shapes and sizes of pasta will absorb cooking liquid a little differently.
My Homemade Taco Seasoning is so simple to make and you can double the recipe to keep some for future use.
Use a low-sodium broth. You can use chicken broth, beef broth, or even veggie broth.
Taco Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- braiser or large pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 med onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles
- 5-6 cups chicken broth start with 5 and add more if needed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 16 oz medium pasta shells
- 2 cups queso
- 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
Serving Ideas
What goes with taco pasta? Anything that goes with Taco Tuesdays or your favorite Mexican dishes!
A dollop of sour cream or salsa is a great place to start!
For dunking and dipping, I love a chips and dips situation. Warmed homemade flour tortillas or warmed corn tortillas are also so good folded and dipped into the taco pasta. You cannot go wrong.
A side of Instant Pot Pinto Beans would be a fabulous addition, as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this taco pasta recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
What other pastas could I use for this recipe?
Use whatever pasta you like and have on hand. My kids love a shell, so that's what we're using! A shell also scoops up that awesome cheese sauce!
If I don't want to make queso from scratch, where do I find it?
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.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover taco pasta will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You can reheat in the microwave or on the stove top. Add a bit of broth or milk if needed to loosen up the pasta.
Don't freeze it. Please. Pasta, for the most part, does not freeze and thaw well. It will turn into a taco pasta mush and that's just not something anyone needs.
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
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Jamie A says
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
Rufus says
I am so very glad you loved it! Thank you so very much for leaving your thoughts!
Kacy Powell says
Yum…yum…yum! My family absolutely loved this!! I’m always looking for something amazing that doesn’t come out of a box…..and this blows those box meals out of the water!!! Cheesy, creamy and the right amount of spice!! Thank you for this amazing recipe!!
Rufus says
I am so very happy to hear it! Thanks so very much for letting me know!
Jamie H says
Easy, delicious, and my whole family loved it! The queso gave it the perfect kick but not too spicy—Definitely adding to the rotation and can’t wait to try more recipes!!
Rufus says
I am so very happy you guys liked it! Have a wonderful day!