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Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

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This Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe is the perfect weeknight meal—easy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes!

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta: This curly pasta shape holds the sauce well, but you can swap it for penne or shells.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best, but you can substitute ground chicken or turkey.
  • 1/2 cup Water: Used to help mix in the taco seasoning and create a flavorful sauce.
  • 1 oz Taco Seasoning: Store-bought or homemade, taco seasoning brings those bold, spicy flavors.
  • 1 1/2 cups Salsa: Choose your favorite store-bought salsa for a balance of tomatoes, spices, and heat.
  • 2 cups Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend (divided): A mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack provides a rich, creamy texture.

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  • Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat.
  • Season the Beef: Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water to the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine and cook until most of the water evaporates, allowing the seasoning to fully coat the beef.
  • Combine with Pasta and Salsa: Add the cooked pasta and salsa to the pot. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated with the seasoned beef and salsa.
  • Add Cheese: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Mexican cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and becomes creamy, binding the pasta and beef together.
  • Top with More Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Let it sit for a minute to allow the cheese to melt.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Your cheesy taco pasta is now ready to serve! Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for added freshness, and enjoy!

Notes

How to Serve and Garnish Your Cheesy Taco Pasta

To make this dish even more appetizing, consider adding some garnishes and sides:

  • Fresh Cilantro or Green Onions: Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
  • Serve with Tortilla Chips: For a fun twist, serve your pasta alongside some crunchy tortilla chips or crushed chips on top for added texture.
  • Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten up the flavors and cut through the richness of the cheese.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner