This easy to make Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe is made in one pot and is ready in just 30 minutes! Taco seasoned ground beef mixed with loads of cheese and pasta make up this delicious dish.
One pot pasta recipes like this one and my Goulash recipe are perfect for those busy weeknights when you are needing dinner on the table fast. Because it is made in just one pot there is less clean up afterwards, which is always a bonus! This Taco Pasta uses just a handful of ingredients that are probably already in your kitchen. Making it a great "shelf cooking" recipe.
You might be thinking, oh this is just a Hamburger Helper Meal, how can it be that much better? Trust me, it is so much better than our childhood boxed meals. Not only is it better tasting, but you are also in control of the ingredients, which means no unnecessary ingredients. That's what scratch cooking is all about.
How To Make Cheesy Taco Pasta
The full recipe is in the recipe card below.
- Brown the ground beef. Add in the onions and sauté until tender.
- Add in the minced garlic and sauté.
- Season: a packet of taco seasoning can be used.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook.
- Add in the beef stock, milk and diced tomatoes.
- Stir in the pasta and cook, covered, until tender. Majority of the time I use elbow noodles. Whenever I am out of elbow noodles I rotini or shells.
- Stir in cheese and serve. I like using shredded cheddar cheese for this recipe. Taco blends can be used.
Topping Suggestions
Ah, toppings. Yes, you can top your Taco Pasta just like you would your favorite tacos. Here are a few suggestions for topping Cheesy Taco Pasta, cilantro, freshly diced onions, diced tomatoes or even diced avocado. A dallop of sour cream is also great in this dish.
Storage Tip
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 7 days.
This recipe is also freezer friendly. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer up to 6 months.
Tried This Recipe?
Leave a review below, I would love to hear how it turned out! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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📖 Recipe
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ large onion small diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 5 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 ½ teaspoons paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 pinch chipotle powder
- To Taste pepper
- 3 cups elbow noodles
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large (deep) skillet over medium heat begin browning the ground beef. When the meat is halfway through cooking add in the onions and continue cooking until the meat is cooked through and the onions are tender. Drain off the fat and return back to the pan.
- Now add in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste, cook for another minute.
- Pour in the beef stock, milk, diced tomatoes and all of the seasonings. Stir to fully combine.
- Bring to a boil then add in the pasta. Stir well. Cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Uncover and remove from the heat. Stir in the cheese. Enjoy!
Ned says
Awesome recipe! We have some picky eaters in our house and they all loved it. Definitely going on my regular rotation! Thank you!