Savory Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe for Taco Tuesday Fun

Craving a mouthwatering cheesy beef taco pasta that combines the best of two comfort food worlds?

Creamy noodles dance with spicy ground beef in a skillet of pure deliciousness.

Mexican-inspired flavors burst through every single bite, promising an unforgettable meal.

Quick and easy ingredients come together seamlessly for a dinner that screams excitement.

Melted cheese blankets tender pasta and seasoned meat in a symphony of taste.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible fusion of classic taco and pasta magic.

Grab a fork and prepare for a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

What Makes Cheesy Taco Pasta So Satisfying

• Speedy Weeknight Wonder: Tackle dinner in less than 30 minutes with this quick and satisfying one-pan meal that combines the comfort of pasta with zesty taco flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with melted cheese, seasoned beef, and a kick of Rotel, this dish delivers maximum flavor that appeals to both kids and adults at family dinners.
• Kid-Friendly Customization: Easily adaptable for picky eaters by adjusting spice levels or adding extra toppings like sour cream, green onions, or sliced jalapeños for those who want more heat.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one skillet and a pot means less washing up, making this recipe a stress-free option for busy home cooks who want delicious food without the kitchen chaos.

Ingredients Needed for Beef Taco Pasta Dish

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the dish and provides rich, meaty flavor.
• Small Shells Pasta: Curved pasta shapes that capture the cheesy sauce perfectly.
• Velveeta Cheese: A creamy processed cheese that melts smoothly and creates a velvety sauce.

• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that adds classic Mexican-inspired taco flavors to the pasta.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with green chilies that bring a zesty and slightly spicy kick to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Milk: Cheddar adds sharp cheese flavor, while milk helps create a smooth and creamy sauce consistency.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in ground beef and cook until it turns a rich, golden brown.

Use a spatula to break the meat into small, delectable crumbles. Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 2: Boil Pasta Perfection

Fill a big pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Drop in the small shell pasta and cook until they’re tender and delightful.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, shaking off any extra water.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

Slice Velveeta cheese into small cubes.

Toss these into the skillet with the cooked beef. Pour in milk and stir gently, watching the cheese transform into a silky, smooth sauce.

Keep stirring until everything blends beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Beef

Slide the cooked pasta shells into the skillet with the cheesy beef.

Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together, ensuring each pasta shell gets coated in the creamy goodness.

Step 5: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in taco seasoning for that zesty kick.

Open the Rotel and pour the entire contents – tomatoes and liquid – into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.

Step 6: Add Extra Cheese Goodness

Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating an extra layer of cheesy decadence.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Scoop the steaming pasta into bowls. Grab a fork and dive into this mouthwatering taco-inspired pasta feast.

Enjoy every single cheesy, flavorful bite!

Tips for Better Taco Pasta Flavor and Texture

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Rinse pasta shells immediately after cooking to prevent sticking and maintain their texture.
• Use fresh taco seasoning for a more vibrant and robust flavor profile.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or monterey jack for unique taste variations.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or sliced jalapeños to add brightness and extra layers of flavor.

Creative Ways to Customize Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Pasta: Replace ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage and add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Taco Pasta: Swap ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles, using vegetable broth instead of milk.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Blend: Use gluten-free pasta shells and replace Velveeta with dairy-free cheese alternative for celiac-friendly version.
• Lean Protein Power Bowl: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat protein option, maintaining same seasonings and cheese blend.

What to Pair with Beef Taco Pasta

• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Crisp Mexican Beer Pairing
• Crack open a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the rich, spicy taco pasta. The light, refreshing beer cuts through the creamy cheese and balances the bold taco seasoning perfectly.
• Match Zesty Side Salad: Fresh Contrast
• Prepare a bright cilantro-lime salad with chopped tomatoes and red onions. The tangy, fresh ingredients provide a crisp counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy pasta dish, creating a balanced meal experience.
• Garnish with Crunchy Topping: Texture Boost
• Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or crispy jalapeño chips on top for an extra crunch. These add a satisfying textural element and enhance the taco-inspired flavor profile of the pasta.
• Cool Down with Creamy Dip

Storing Cheesy Taco Pasta the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the pasta.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• What if I don't have Velveeta cheese?

You can substitute with cream cheese or a mixture of cheddar and cream cheese to achieve a similar creamy texture.

• Is this dish spicy?

The Rotel tomatoes and taco seasoning provide a mild kick. If you want less heat, choose mild taco seasoning and a mild Rotel variety.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat pasta to create a more nutritious version of this comfort meal.

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Comfort meets zest in this mouthwatering cheesy beef taco pasta, blending Mexican-inspired flavors with creamy pasta perfection. Hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and bold spices create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 3 pounds ground beef
• 1 pack Velveeta cheese (block)
• Handful sharp cheddar cheese

Starches and Base:

• 1 box small shells pasta

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 packs taco seasoning
• 1 can original Rotel
• 12 cup (120 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring complete rendering of excess fat for optimal texture.
2. Simultaneously prepare a pot of boiling water and cook small pasta shells until perfectly al dente, then carefully drain and set aside.
3. Reduce skillet heat and introduce cubed Velveeta cheese into the cooked beef, gently stirring while gradually incorporating milk to create a silky, uniform cheese sauce.
4. Transfer drained pasta shells into the beef and cheese mixture, meticulously folding to guarantee even distribution of ingredients.
5. Sprinkle taco seasoning throughout the skillet and pour entire contents of Rotel tomatoes, including liquid, blending comprehensively to infuse robust flavor profiles.
6. Enhance the dish’s complexity by sprinkling shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated into the existing sauce.
7. Transfer immediately to serving dishes while piping hot, presenting a vibrant, flavor-packed pasta experience with a delightful southwestern twist.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and maintain perfect texture.
• For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for protein.
• Keep extra milk nearby to adjust sauce consistency if needed, ensuring creamy and smooth results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg