This cheesy taco pasta dish makes a satisfying family dinner, perfect for busy weeknights. The hearty homemade pasta is so much better than the Hamburger Helper version!
The one-pot Taco pasta is an easy dinner, that will be requested again and again. A great choice when some of the family wants tacos and others prefer to have pasta.
How to Make Taco Pasta
Let's make this yummy comfort food meal! Follow along here for step-by-step directions to make the easy taco pasta, complete with pictures, or hop down to the printable recipe card below.
The recipe makes 8 servings.
Prep time: 10 mins | Cooking time: 25 mins | Total time: 35 mins
Ingredients Needed For Ground Beef Taco Pasta
Here is everything you need to make the cheesy taco pasta:
- 1 pound (16 ounces) shell pasta, (penne, spaghetti, rotini, elbow macaroni or bow tie pasta are also good choices, pasta shape is really not important for this recipe)
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced (yellow, sweet or white onion are all fine)
- Two packets of taco seasoning or 6 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups salsa
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 ½ cups (about 6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack cheese) Freshly shredded cheese melts best, but pre-shredded will work.
- salt and black pepper to taste
Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, additional shredded cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, sliced green onion, lime wedges or crumbled tortilla chips for crunch
Instructions
Step One
In a large pot of water (minimum 4 quarts), boil the pasta to al dente. Drain pasta water and set aside once cooked.
Step Two
In the same pot or skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook over medium heat until the beef mixture is browned and cooked through (around 8 minutes). Crumble the meat as it cooks.
Step Three
Drain any excess grease from the ground beef. Add the taco seasoning mix and tomato sauce to the beef.
Step Four
Add in the salsa and cream cheese. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes until the sauce is combined and creamy.
Step Five
Turn off the heat and add in the cooked pasta shells and the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted throughout. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Six
Top with desired garnishes and serve!
Recipe Variations
Here are a few recipe changes you may prefer when making the Mexican pasta dish yourself.
- For faster preparation, prepare the beef sauce in a separate skillet while the pasta is cooking.
- Add a half can of drained rinsed black beans to the recipe for additional fiber. Whole wheat pasta is also a smart choice.
- Rather than beef opt for ground chicken or turkey. For a meatless meal use plant-based crumbles.
- Add thinly sliced bell peppers or Poblanos to the meat while cooking for a boost of veggies.
- For garlic lovers add one or two cloves garlic (¼-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder), minced to the taco meat while cooking.
- Make this recipe gluten-free, by selecting a gluten-free pasta and taco seasoning (or make your own seasoning).
- Turn up the heat, by swapping in Pepper Jack cheese or adding a splash of hot sauce to the pasta.
What To Serve With Taco Pasta
Of course most things you would put on a taco will taste pretty good on this pasta, but what what else goes well with it? Here are some options:
For a starter, I recommend a garden salad with Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing, Mexican Sopes or some crispy Southwest Egg Rolls.
To drink, a refreshing Strawberry Horchata will stay on the Mexican theme, though a nice glass of Peach Iced Tea would be lovely as well. For the grown-ups, a tropical Pineapple Mojito would be fantastic.
For Dessert, some Tres Leches Cupcakes would be a delicious choice, as would my easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream!
Storage Tips
Store leftover pasta in a sealed airtight container, promptly after it has cooled off to room temperature. The taco pasta will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer term storage, freeze the pasta for up to 3 months.
If you enjoy this one -pot pasta meal, be sure to check out my Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta Recipe and Chicken Fajita Pasta Recipe as well! Either is great as a weeknight dinner.
Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta shells , macaroni or even spaghetti can be used
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 medium white onion diced (yellow onion or sweet onion are fine)
- 2 packets taco seasoning or 6 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 8 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups salsa or Rotel diced tomatoes with chilis
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed
- 1 ½ cups about 6 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: cilantro additional shredded cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, green chilies, lime wedges or black beans
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, boil the pasta al dente. Drain and set aside when done.
- In the same pot or skillet, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and cooked through (around 8 minutes). Crumble the meat as it cooks.
- Drain grease from the ground meat. Add the taco seasoning and tomato sauce to the browned beef.
- Add in the salsa and cream cheese. Simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes until the sauce is combined and creamy.
- Turn off the heat and add the pasta and cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted throughout. Season with salt and pepper if you like.
- Add your favorite taco toppings and serve!
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