Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that combines flavorful taco-seasoned beef with tender rotini pasta and melted Mexican cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly, perfect for when you want a comforting, cheesy dinner with a Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain excess fat as needed.
- Step 3: Add the taco seasoning and water to the cooked beef. Stir to combine and cook until the water has evaporated.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta and salsa to the pot with the seasoned beef. Stir well to mix everything evenly.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese until melted. Remove the pot from heat, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and let it melt before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For added freshness, top with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions before serving.
- Use low-fat cheese or ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
- Add a can of drained black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the pasta moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or shells will work well in this recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a plant-based meat alternative and follow the same steps.
PrintCheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
A flavorful and easy-to-make Cheesy Taco Pasta combining seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, salsa, and melted Mexican cheese for a comforting, Tex-Mex inspired family meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz Rotini pasta
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Other Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese (divided)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat as needed to reduce grease.
- Add seasoning: Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water to the cooked beef. Stir to combine and cook until the water has evaporated and the seasoning mixture coats the beef evenly.
- Combine pasta and salsa: Add the cooked rotini pasta to the seasoned beef in the pot. Pour in the salsa and mix thoroughly to blend all ingredients well.
- Melt the cheese: Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese to the pot and stir continuously over low heat until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy. Remove from heat.
- Finish with remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top of the pasta mixture. Allow it to melt slightly before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use a hot salsa or add chopped jalapeños.
- To make it lighter, substitute ground turkey for beef and use reduced-fat cheese.
- Ensure to drain fat from beef to avoid greasy pasta.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: taco pasta, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, ground beef recipe, Mexican pasta, easy family meal, Tex-Mex
