I discovered a delightful twist on dinners with this Easy Pasta Dinner. Ground beef tinged with taco seasoning blends with diced tomatoes, green chilies and al dente pasta. Melting cheddar cheeses create a creamy finish enveloping every ingredient. Each bite truly excites my taste buds and leaves me craving more.
I recently stumbled upon a dish that totally blew my mind called Cheesy Taco Pasta. I was looking for a fast dinner recipe and couldn’t believe how cool this meal turned out.
With just 8 oz of my favorite rotini, 1 lb ground beef, a packet of taco seasoning, a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, it became one of those recipes that you just have to try right away. I love how the pasta soaks up all the taco flavors creating a unique spin on classic cheesy pasta recipes.
It also fits perfectly if you’re into ground beef recipes for dinner and other easy pasta dinner ideas. Even on nights when I’m super busy, this dish comes through.
It’s speedy, simple and surprisingly filling making it an ideal option for anyone who wants a quick meal with a bit of extra zip.
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s super easy to make and perfect when I’m short on time. I can whip it up in 30 minutes or less with just 5 main ingredients which makes it really appealing when I don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
I also love the flavor mashup. The taco seasoning mixed with the cheesy pasta gives it an awesome combination of spicy and creamy tastes that never gets boring for me.
Another reason I like it is that it’s really versatile. I can serve it with garlic bread or a simple salad, so it feels like a complete meal even if I’m just cooking dinner for myself.
Plus, it’s one of those recipes that proves you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make something delicious. I appreciate how it turns basic items into a super satisfying dish every time I make it.
Ingredients
This Cheesy Taco Pasta brings together a unique mix of flavors and nutrition.
Each ingredient plays its part in boosting taste and giving energy.
Enjoy this hearty dish for a balanced meal with protein, fiber and a tangy twist.
- Pasta supplies carbohydrates for steady energy and forms a tasty, filling base.
- Ground beef is loaded with protein, giving muscle support and rich flavor.
- Taco seasoning boosts the dish with a tangy, zesty mix of spices.
- Diced tomatoes and chilies add moisture, mild heat and a tangy twist.
- Cheddar cheese delivers creaminess with fat and protein, enhancing overall richness.
Ingredient Quantities
- 8 oz pasta (rotini or fusilli works best)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make this
1. Start by cookin the pasta in a large pot of salted water, following the package instructions until its al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a big skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, cookin it until it’s fully browned, break it up as it cooks.
3. Once the beef is browned, drain off any extra grease then stir in the taco seasoning mix along with the diced tomatoes and green chilies.
4. Let the beef simmer with the tomatoes for about 3-4 minutes so the flavors can blend a bit.
5. Add the drained pasta into the skillet and mix it well with the seasoned beef and tomato mix.
6. Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the pasta, stirring until its melted into a creamy mix.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed then serve immediately while it’s nice and hot.
8. Enjoy your meal with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad if you like!
Equipment Needed
1. Large pot for cookin pasta in salted water
2. Colander for draining the pasta
3. Big skillet for browning the ground beef and mixin the sauce
4. Measuring cups or spoons for the taco seasoning and tomatoes
5. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirrin all the ingredients together
6. Knife and cutting board if you need to prep any extra veggies or ingredients
FAQ
Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Ground beef: try using ground turkey or even ground chicken if you dont have beef on hand
- Taco seasoning mix: you can mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt if you run out of the packet
- Diced tomatoes and green chilies: swap them with a good quality salsa and adjust spices as needed
- Shredded cheddar cheese: if you want a twist, use Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor
- Pasta: if rotini or fusilli arent available, penne or medium shells work just fine
Pro Tips
1. Try not to overcook the pasta; al dente means firm to the bite, so it holds its shape when you mix it with the meat and cheese later
2. When browning the beef, make sure to drain off most of the grease; this helps concentrate the flavors and stops the dish from getting too oily
3. Let the meat simmer with the tomatoes and chilies a bit longer if you can since that gives the seasonings more time to blend into a richer sauce
4. Once you add the cheese, stir it slowly on a lower heat so it melts evenly instead of clumping together and making the sauce lumpy
Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
My favorite Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot for cookin pasta in salted water
2. Colander for draining the pasta
3. Big skillet for browning the ground beef and mixin the sauce
4. Measuring cups or spoons for the taco seasoning and tomatoes
5. Wooden spoon or spatula for stirrin all the ingredients together
6. Knife and cutting board if you need to prep any extra veggies or ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (rotini or fusilli works best)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Start by cookin the pasta in a large pot of salted water, following the package instructions until its al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. In a big skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, cookin it until it’s fully browned, break it up as it cooks.
3. Once the beef is browned, drain off any extra grease then stir in the taco seasoning mix along with the diced tomatoes and green chilies.
4. Let the beef simmer with the tomatoes for about 3-4 minutes so the flavors can blend a bit.
5. Add the drained pasta into the skillet and mix it well with the seasoned beef and tomato mix.
6. Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the pasta, stirring until its melted into a creamy mix.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed then serve immediately while it’s nice and hot.
8. Enjoy your meal with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad if you like!
