When I smell that ground beef sizzling with taco spices, I know dinner will be special. This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta brings together everything we crave in one skillet.
The tender pasta soaks up all those smoky, savory flavors while the cheese melts into pure comfort.
Tonight feels like the perfect time to gather everyone around the table for this hearty meal.
Why I keep making this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta week after week
My family asks for this dish every single Tuesday, and I never say no. The one-pot method means fewer dishes and more time with loved ones.
You get that satisfying pasta texture with bold taco flavors in every single bite. Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes might be elegant, but this recipe wins for pure comfort.
The cheese creates this creamy sauce that coats each piece of rotini perfectly.
My ingredient list for Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
- 1¼ pounds ground beef – 80/20 gives the best flavor and texture
- ¾ teaspoon salt – Plus extra for seasoning at the end
- Fresh black pepper to taste – About ¼ teaspoon is perfect
- 1 packet taco seasoning – Or make your own with cumin, chili powder & paprika
- 2¼ cups water – Or swap with broth for more richness
Sauce & Pasta
- 1¼ cups jarred salsa – Medium for a little kick, mild if you prefer
- 9 ounces rotini pasta – Penne or shells work great too
Cheese & Toppings
- 1¾ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend – I like sharp cheddar + Monterey Jack
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, fresh cilantro
The beauty of Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta lies in its pantry-friendly ingredients. I always keep these items stocked because this recipe saves busy weeknights.
Ground turkey works wonderfully if you prefer a leaner option.
How I Make This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. You want it hot enough to hear that satisfying sizzle when the beef hits the pan.
- Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper immediately. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it brown for 4-5 minutes without stirring too much.
- Cook the beef for 8-10 minutes total, stirring occasionally. I listen for those little crackling sounds that tell me it’s browning nicely.
- Drain the excess grease carefully. I tilt the pan and use a spoon to remove most of the fat while keeping all that flavorful beef.
- Stir the taco seasoning into the hot beef. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until it smells incredible and coats every piece.
- Pour in the water, salsa, and uncooked pasta all at once. The liquid might seem like a lot, but trust the process here.
- Bring everything to a rolling boil, then stir well. I make sure the pasta gets submerged under the liquid as much as possible.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. You want a gentle simmer, not a vigorous boil that might make the pasta stick.
- Simmer covered for 18-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheese. It melts almost instantly and creates that creamy sauce we all love.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper. Sometimes I add a pinch of garlic powder at this step too.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. Fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime make everything brighter.
My kitchen secrets for getting this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta just right
I learned to brown the beef properly before adding anything else. Those caramelized bits create so much more flavor than rushing through this step.
The pasta continues cooking even after you turn off the heat. My Best Vegan Cashew Cream Pumpkin Pasta taught me patience with pasta timing.
Always taste your Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta before serving and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
Can I make this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients earlier, but I recommend cooking this fresh for the best texture.
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Ultimate Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 5
Description
A hearty one-pot meal that combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese for the perfect comfort food dinner.
Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds ground beef
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 2¼ cups water
- 1¼ cups jarred salsa
- 9 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
- 1¾ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro
Instructions
- Heat large deep skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, brown for 8-10 minutes.
- Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Stir taco seasoning into beef, cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add water, salsa, and pasta. Bring to rolling boil.
- Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, simmer 18-20 minutes stirring every 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in cheese until melted.
- Season to taste and serve with desired toppings.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken can substitute for beef
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for richer flavor
- Pasta continues cooking after heat is turned off, so don’t overcook
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
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How do I store leftover Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta?
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to three days and reheat gently with a splash of water.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I freeze this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta?
The pasta texture changes when frozen, but it’s still good reheated from frozen within two months.
My favorite occasions to make Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
Tuesday nights feel incomplete without this hearty skillet meal on our dinner table. The kids request it for their birthday dinners more often than fancy cakes.
I love making this for potluck gatherings because it travels well and everyone asks for the recipe.