Go Back
Cheesy Taco Pasta

Cheesy Taco Pasta

Cheesy Taco Pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with fresh ingredients for added brightness and crunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 8 oz pasta shells or rotini
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 small can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh toppings (diced tomatoes, lettuce, green onions, cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, crushed tortilla chips)

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, then drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles.
  3. Drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the skillet.
  4. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
  5. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat.
  7. Add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then let simmer for a few minutes.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together and adding reserved pasta water as needed.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
  10. Serve with fresh toppings.

Notes

Avoid overcooking the pasta. Always add cheese off the heat to prevent it from becoming greasy.