Description
This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a quick, satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, and melted cheese for a delicious fusion of Tex-Mex and Italian flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort and convenience in one dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup salsa
- ½ cup water (as needed)
Pasta & Cheese
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or taco blend)
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Green onions, chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Drain Excess Fat: Carefully drain most of the fat from the skillet, leaving a small amount to help cook the seasonings and develop flavor.
- Add Seasoning and Salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning packet, salsa, and up to ½ cup water. Reduce heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Gently stir to combine everything evenly without breaking the pasta.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and stir until it melts completely and becomes creamy, coating the pasta and beef mixture.
- Optional Broil for Topping: For a golden, bubbly finish, sprinkle extra cheese on top and place the skillet under a broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the cheesy beef taco pasta hot, topped with optional sour cream, green onions, and fresh cilantro as desired.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape for versatility—penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni all work well.
- Adjust water amount as needed to get the desired sauce consistency.
- For a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce with the salsa.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent drying.
- Using a taco blend cheese adds extra flavor, but cheddar or mozzarella offers great meltiness.
- Broiling is optional but adds an appealing crispy cheese topping.
