Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta: Easy One-Pan Dinner!

Introduction

Are you looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea that the whole family will love? Look no further! Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is an easy one-pan meal that combines all your favorite taco flavors with hearty pasta. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comes together effortlessly, making it the perfect weeknight dinner option.

Why make this recipe

This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is not only tasty but also incredibly simple to prepare. Using just one skillet means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. It’s packed with protein from the beef, cheesy goodness that everyone loves, and the best part is it’s customizable! You can add your favorite toppings or make variations according to your tastes. It’s a comfort food classic with a tasty twist!

How to prepare Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta

Ready to make this delicious dish? Let’s dive into the steps:

Ingredients:

1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 ½ lbs Lean Ground Beef
1 large Yellow Onion, diced
3 cloves Garlic, minced
1 (10 oz) can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel), undrained
1 (8 oz) can Tomato Sauce
1 (6 oz) can Tomato Paste
2 ¼ cups Beef Broth
1 ½ cups Water
1 (1 oz) packet Taco Seasoning
1 tsp Ground Cumin
½ tsp Smoked Paprika
½ tsp Salt
¼ tsp Black Pepper
12 oz Elbow Macaroni or Medium Shell Pasta
2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Steps:

PIN IT

Prep Ingredients: Chop onion and mince garlic. Shred cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Measure all liquids, spices, and have pasta ready.
Brown Beef & Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, brown 1 ½ lbs ground beef over medium-high heat (7-10 mins). Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and cook until softened (5-7 mins). Add minced garlic and cook 30-60 seconds until fragrant, then stir into beef.
Build Sauce Base: Add tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until darkened. Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, and water. Stir well, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook Pasta: Add pasta to the simmering sauce, stirring to submerge. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until pasta is al dente and sauce is thick. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Add Cheese & Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let sit for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove lid, let rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños if desired.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

How to serve Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta

Serve this amazing meal directly from the skillet for a rustic feel. Offer toppings like sour cream, fresh herbs, or jalapeños on the side so everyone can customize their dish. It’s a fun way to enjoy dinner together!

How to store Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When it’s time to reheat, pop it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of liquid if the pasta seems too dry.

Tips to make Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta perfectly

Don’t rush the browning of the beef. Give it time to develop a nice color for added flavor.
Taste as you go. This dish can be adjusted based on your spice preference or liking.
Use a mix of cheeses. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors.

Variations

Add Veggies: You can toss in bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added nutrition and texture.
Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Use different pasta shapes: Swap the elbow macaroni for penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you have on hand.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce part ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.

Q: Is this dish freezable?
A: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the cooked pasta for up to a month. Thaw and reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute, and it will taste delicious in this recipe.

Now you have everything you need to make a delightful dish of Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta

Print Recipe

A quick and delicious one-pan meal combining all your favorite taco flavors with hearty pasta.

Author: tahiriimouhsingmail-com
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Beef

Instructions

Prep Ingredients: Chop onion and mince garlic. Shred cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Measure all liquids, spices, and have pasta ready.
Brown Beef & Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat (7-10 mins). Drain excess fat. Add diced onion and cook until softened (5-7 mins). Add minced garlic and cook 30-60 seconds until fragrant, then stir into beef.
Build Sauce Base: Add tomato paste to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until darkened. Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, and water. Stir well, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Cook Pasta: Add pasta to the simmering sauce, stirring to submerge. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until pasta is al dente and sauce is thick. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Add Cheese & Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet and let sit for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove lid, let rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Taco Pasta, One-Pan Dinner, Comfort Food