I know exactly how it feels when you walk through the door at five o’clock and the last thing you want to do is spend hours over a stove. My house is usually a disaster by then and everyone is starving. That is exactly how this recipe became my absolute go-to secret weapon. It only takes thirty minutes to get this on the table and my kids actually finish their plates without complaining once. I started making this on a whim during a particularly hectic Monday and now it is the most requested meal in our house.

The Ultimate Cheesy Taco Pasta Guide

If you have never tried this before then you are in for a treat. This dish is basically the best of two worlds coming together in one pot. You get the comforting and filling texture of Italian pasta mixed with all the bold and zesty flavors of a classic taco night. I call it Cheesy Taco Pasta and it is essentially a creamy and meaty sauce that coats every single noodle. It is thick and savory and much better than anything you would get out of a cardboard box at the store.

Why Your Family Needs Cheesy Taco Pasta Tonight

I have a few picky eaters in my home and let me tell you that this is the one meal they never fight me on. If you are tired of washing a mountain of dishes then you will love this because it is a one pan meal. You do everything in a single skillet which is a total lifesaver. It is also very budget friendly since it uses basic pantry staples. There is something so comforting about a big bowl of warm pasta and cheese that just makes a stressful day feel a lot better. Plus the cleanup is so fast that you might actually get to sit down and relax for once.

Everything You Need for Cheesy Taco Pasta

You probably have most of this in your kitchen right now. Here is what you need to grab to make the best Cheesy Taco Pasta ever.

One pound of lean ground beef or ground chicken
Two cups of your favorite dry pasta
One packet of taco seasoning or your own homemade blend
Two cups of beef broth to give the sauce a rich and deep flavor
One cup of salsa for a little extra kick
Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese
One half cup of milk or heavy cream to make it velvety

Selecting the Best Pasta Shapes

The shape of the pasta actually matters a lot here. I always recommend using medium shells or rotini or even penne. You want a shape that has lots of little nooks and crannies. These shapes are perfect for trapping the cheese sauce and the bits of meat so you get a perfect bite every single time. Avoid long skinny noodles like spaghetti because they just do not hold onto the heavy sauce as well.

Simple Steps to Cook Cheesy Taco Pasta

Follow these steps and you will have dinner ready before the news is over. It is really that simple.

Start by putting your large skillet over medium heat and adding your ground beef. Cook it until it is completely browned which usually takes about five to seven minutes. Make sure to drain off any extra fat.
Stir in your taco seasoning until the meat is well coated.
Add your dry pasta and the beef broth and the salsa into the pan. Give it a good stir to make sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
Turn the heat up to bring it to a boil and then turn it down to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for about ten to twelve minutes. You want the pasta to be tender and most of the liquid to be absorbed.
Remove the lid and stir in your milk and all that glorious cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Taco Pasta

I have made this dozens of times and I have learned a few tricks along the way. First off you should really try to use freshly shredded cheddar cheese. The pre packaged shredded cheese has a coating on it that prevents it from sticking but it also prevents it from melting smoothly. If you grate it yourself the sauce will be much silkier. Also if you notice the sauce is getting too thick before you are ready to serve just splash in a little bit of the pasta water or extra broth to thin it out to your liking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Taco Pasta

Can I freeze this dish. Yes you definitely can. Just let the Cheesy Taco Pasta cool down completely before putting it in a freezer safe container. It will stay good for about two months. When you want to eat it just thaw it in the fridge and reheat it on the stove with a splash of milk. How long does it stay fresh in the fridge. It usually stays great for about three to four days in an airtight container. It actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to hang out together.

Customizing Your Toppings

This is where you can get really creative. Once the pasta is in the bowls I like to set out a bunch of toppings so everyone can fix theirs exactly how they want. Here are some of our favorites.

Diced fresh tomatoes for a pop of color
A big handful of chopped fresh cilantro
A dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy finish
Sliced green onions
Some diced avocado or a scoop of guacamole
Crushed tortilla chips for a little bit of crunch

Estimated Nutritional Value

This information is based on using lean ground beef and standard pasta. This recipe typically serves about four people.

Calories: 450 per serving
Protein: 28 grams
Carbohydrates: 42 grams
Fats: 18 grams