When you can’t decide between tacos and pasta, why not have both? This cheesy taco pasta combines the bold, spicy flavors of your favorite taco night with the comforting warmth of a creamy pasta dish. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner.

Why You’ll Love It

This dish is packed with the best of both worlds: the spiciness of tacos and the creamy, cheesy goodness of pasta. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

Pro Tip: For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground meat for black beans or crumbled tofu.

What Makes It So Special?

Flavor Fusion: Classic taco spices meet creamy cheese sauce for a match made in heaven.
Customizable: Add veggies, swap proteins, or adjust spice levels to suit your taste.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, you’ll get a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Cheesy Taco Pasta

Choose the Right Pasta: Short shapes like macaroni, penne, or shells work best as they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Get Creative with Toppings: Think beyond the classics! Try diced avocados, green onions, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for added flair.
Batch Cooking: This recipe doubles easily, making it great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.

Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

A Comfort Food Fiesta!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the Pasta
12 oz 340 g elbow macaroni or any short pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
For the Taco Mixture
1 lb 450 g ground beef or turkey
1 small onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp cayenne, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder
1 cup 240 ml water
For the Cheese Sauce
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups 360 ml milk
1½ cups 150 g shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup 50 g shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
Diced tomatoes
Sliced jalapeños
Fresh cilantro
Sour cream
Crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Make the Taco Mixture
In a large skillet or the same pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
Stir in taco seasoning and water, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta and taco mixture back to the pot. Pour the cheese sauce over and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Warm through on low heat for 2-3 minutes if needed.
Top It Off
Serve the cheesy taco pasta in bowls and top with your favorite taco-inspired toppings for extra flavor and crunch!

Homemade Taco Seasoning

If you’ve got a well-stocked spice rack, you can skip the store-bought taco seasoning. Here’s a quick DIY version:

1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste

Mix it all together, and you’ve got a fresh, flavorful seasoning blend that’s free from preservatives and extra sodium.

Enjoy!

This dish doesn’t just taste amazing—it’s a vibe. It’s the kind of meal that makes a gloomy Tuesday feel like a festive Friday. Pair it with a margarita or a side of guacamole and chips, and you’ve got a dinner that’s worth celebrating.

So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to let us know how it turned out. We’d love to hear your feedback or see your creative twists. Happy cooking, and here’s to cheesy, taco-filled bliss!