There’s something magical about combining two comfort-food favorites: tacos and pasta. The result? A creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed Cheesy Taco Pasta that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The savory spices, tender pasta, and gooey cheese come together in one pan for the ultimate weeknight dinner.
I first made this dish on a whim when craving something hearty but quick. Now, it’s a regular in our rotation, satisfying both kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try for your table!
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Taco Pasta
Get ready to embrace a dish that brings together bold flavors and a crowd-pleasing creamy texture. This Cheesy Taco Pasta is more than just a meal; it's a dinnertime hero.
First, it’s quick and easy. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spare.
This recipe is also incredibly satisfying. The taco-seasoned beef paired with perfectly cooked pasta and a luscious cheese sauce hits every comfort-food craving without feeling overly heavy.
One-pan cleanup is another huge win! With everything cooked in one skillet, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.
Lastly, the dish is endlessly customizable. Add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your family’s preferences—it’s always a hit.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cheesy Taco Pasta lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this dish a family favorite.
Ground beef forms the heart of this recipe. Use lean beef to avoid excess grease, but don’t worry if there’s a little fat—it adds flavor.
For the taco seasoning, you can use store-bought for convenience or mix your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a personal touch.
The pasta is key to this dish's texture. Medium shapes like penne or shells work best as they hold the sauce beautifully. Be sure to cook it al dente for the perfect bite.
Tomato sauce and a hint of water create the base of the taco-infused sauce. This combination allows the spices to meld and ensures every bite is flavorful.
And of course, the cheese! A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella provides the ultimate gooey, melty topping that ties everything together.
For equipment, a large skillet or sauté pan with a lid is all you’ll need. One-pan meals for the win!
How to Make This Cheesy Taco Pasta

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, with everything cooked in a single pan for maximum convenience.
Start by heating a drizzle of oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat, then sprinkle in your taco seasoning. Stir well to coat the beef in those delicious spices.
Next, pour in your tomato sauce and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add your uncooked pasta directly to the pan, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in your shredded cheese a handful at a time, letting it melt completely before adding more. This ensures a creamy, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
At this point, your Cheesy Taco Pasta is ready to serve! Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Storage Options
Got leftovers? This dish stores wonderfully and reheats like a dream, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
To store, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.
For freezing, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to the pasta and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This step helps restore its creamy consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is tasty, so feel free to get creative with the ingredients and flavors.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños along with the taco seasoning.
Prefer chicken over beef? Swap the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken—it’s just as flavorful!
Make it veggie-packed by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn during the cooking process. They’ll blend seamlessly with the dish while adding color and nutrients.
For a lighter version, use whole-grain pasta and reduced-fat cheese. You can also substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Want extra toppings? Sprinkle on crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, or a few slices of avocado for added texture and flavor.
This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a canvas for your culinary creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!
PrintCheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
This cheesy taco pasta recipe combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef, taco spices, and rich, gooey cheese for an irresistible meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, macaroni, or shells)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well. Reduce heat to low, then stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm, garnished with chopped cilantro or parsley.
Notes
- Adjust the level of spice by increasing or reducing the taco seasoning.
- Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey if preferred.
- Add cooked black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
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