Description

This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a hearty and delicious one-pan meal that combines flavorful taco-seasoned ground meat with tender pasta, creamy cheeses, and a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe brings the fun and taste of tacos into a comforting pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

2 cups elbow macaroni

Meat and Seasoning:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey, or plant-based alternative)
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

Cheese and Dairy:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened

Liquids and Sauces:

1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup chicken broth

Optional Toppings:

Chopped cilantro
Sour cream
Diced avocado

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or chosen protein) and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully cooked and browned.
Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the cooked meat. Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Combine Ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth into the skillet with the seasoned meat. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to blend flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
Mix the Pasta: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the meat and sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly so every piece of pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.
Add Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese, letting it melt into the sauce to create a creamy texture. Then add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and well incorporated.
Finishing Touches: Mix everything well for a final time, then remove the skillet from heat. Serve the cheesy taco pasta warm, garnished with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado as desired.

Notes

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or heavy cream along with the cheeses.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0.3g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Cheesy Taco Pasta, taco pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, taco seasoning pasta, one-pan meal, ground beef pasta