Can I make Cheesy Taco Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats well, making it a great meal prep option. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5–7 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 1.5–2 minutes, adding a little extra cheese for freshness.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Rotini is ideal because its spiral shape holds onto the cheesy taco sauce, but you can also use penne, shells, or even elbow macaroni. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be substituted as well.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you love heat, try adding diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or use a hot salsa. You can also stir in a few drops of hot sauce before serving.

Can I make this dish healthier?

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, whole wheat or chickpea pasta, and a reduced-fat cheese blend. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.

Cheesy Taco Pasta

Name: Cheesy Taco Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 lb ground beef; ½ cup water; 1 oz taco seasoning; 1 ½ cups salsa; 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese (divided)

Description

Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and easy one-pot meal that combines the bold flavors of tacos with creamy, cheesy pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz rotini pasta
1 lb ground beef
½ cup water
1 oz taco seasoning
1 ½ cups salsa
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese (divided)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet or pot, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
Season the beef: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat, then add water. Stir well to coat the beef evenly, letting the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Incorporate the salsa: Pour the salsa into the skillet and stir to combine with the seasoned beef, creating a flavorful, slightly tangy sauce.
Mix in the pasta and cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix everything together. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese until melted, coating the pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Let it sit for a minute to allow the cheese to melt. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese at the end.
This recipe works well with any type of pasta, including gluten-free options.
If the cheese isn’t melting smoothly, cover the skillet for a minute to let the residual heat help.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 592 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1382mg
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 106mg