Put a flavorful spin on Taco Tuesday with this cheesy taco pasta. It’s made in one pot and ready in under 30 minutes!

Reminiscent of the Hamburger Helper-inspired meals we all grew up with, this simple cheesy taco pasta uses cumin and chili powder for south-of-the-border flavor. You can top the finished dish with whatever’s on hand—black olives, avocado, shredded cheese and more.

The best part? This dish cooks up in a single pot for easy cleanup. You don’t even have to drain the pasta. It’s a true 30-minute meal, and can be adapted to suit the taste preferences of picky eaters.

Our Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

ingredients for cheesy taco pasta on a kitchen counter

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

This pasta dish yields 4 to 6 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound short-cut pasta (such as rotini, radiatori or cavatappi)
  • 2-3 cups low-sodium beef stock
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup salsa (store-bought salsa or homemade salsa)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
  • Taco toppings of your choice, for serving

Editor’s Tip: You can make this recipe even easier by replacing the spices listed (including the salt) with 2-3 tablespoons of store-bought taco seasoning.

Directions

Step 1: Cook beef and onions

raw beef and onions in a pan before cooking

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

In a large pot set over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, onion and ground beef. Cook until brown all over, breaking up the meat as you go, about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Add spices

adding apices to browned beef and sautéed onions in a pan

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

Toss in the salt, pepper and spices, and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Add pasta and liquids

adding cooked pasta to the pan with browned beef and other ingredients

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

Stir in the uncooked pasta, beef stock, milk and salsa. Bring to a gentle boil, and cook until the pasta is al dente, usually 6-10 minutes, depending on the shape. Stir often, adding up to 1 additional cup of beef stock if the mixture starts to appear dry.

Step 4: Make it cheesy

adding cheese to the taco pasta in a pan

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

Gently fold in the cheese and cook another few minutes until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Serve with toppings

Divide the pasta among bowls and serve with taco toppings of your choice.

Tips for Making Cheesy Taco Pasta

Cheesy Taco Pasta on a plate, top view

Lauren Habermehl for Taste of Home

Make this recipe in a Crock-Pot

Transform this stovetop one-pot wonder into an easy slow cooker recipe. To adapt for a slow cooker, add the beef, onions, spices and 1/2 cup of salsa to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.

Next, add the pasta (make sure to use dry pasta vs. fresh), broth and milk. Cook on high for 15-30 minutes until the pasta is al dente. We suggest checking the pasta for doneness after 15 minutes and increasing the cooking time from there as needed.

When the pasta is tender, stir in the cheese until melted, and then serve in bowls with desired toppings.

Pile on unexpected toppings

While this pasta is delicious with classic taco fixin’s like diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro and minced onion, it also lends itself well to creative combinations like pickled red onions, queso fresco, fresh corn off the cob or sliced roasted poblano peppers. The possibilities are endless!

Use ground turkey or chicken

If you don’t enjoy ground beef, swap in lean ground turkey or chicken. If you have leftovers of this copycat Chipotle chicken on hand, omit the ground beef from Step 1 and, instead, stir the chicken into the pasta with the cheese in Step 3.

For a vegetarian cheesy taco pasta, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit the ground beef. Add a can of rinsed and drained black beans and one grated medium zucchini to the onions in Step 1.

Store in an airtight container

Cheesy taco pasta may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat the pasta, warm it on the stovetop with a splash of milk or beef stock over medium-low heat until steaming. You may also warm it in the microwave.

Every Way to Make Taco-Inspired Dinner

Taco Salad Casserole

This taco casserole recipe tastes like a taco salad and is a breeze to assemble. I crush tortilla chips to form a bottom layer, then spread on refried beans, a spicy meat mixture and cheese. —Rhonda McKee, Greensburg, Kansas

Go to Recipe

Beef Taco Chili

This is one of my husband’s absolute favorite dishes. It was voted best chili at our county’s autumn harvest festival. If you like less broth, use just 1-3/4 cups water and 1-1/2 tsp. bouillon. —Dana Beery, Ione, Washington

Taco Burgers

My family loves the taste of tacos, but I dislike the mess! So I developed these burgers as a tasty but tidy alternative.—Linda Logan, Warren, Ohio

Taco Pasta Salad Exps Ft19 26963 F 0606 1 2

Taco Pasta Salad

My family loves this savory taco pasta salad. Serve taco or corn chips on the side, and you have a complete meal. —Gert Rosenau, Pewaukee, WI

Easy Taco Pizza

Convenient prebaked crust makes this tasty taco pizza as easy as can be. It’s a great recipe, especially if you have teenagers. I keep the ingredients on hand so that we can whip up this filling meal anytime. —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland

Sheet Pan Taco Turkey Meat Loaf Exps Tohescodr20 53851 B02 19 4b 12

Taco Turkey Meat Loaf

After buying a supersized package of ground turkey, I made this spicy taco turkey meat loaf using what I had on hand. It’s now become a family favorite! I serve it for tailgating parties and it’s delicious the next day for sandwiches. —Holly Battiste, Barrington, New Jersey

Taco Mac

This zesty taco mac and cheese is just as yummy the next day. Simply warm it up and garnish with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and cheese. —JoLynn Fribley, Nokomis, Illinois

Taco Twist Soup Exps Ft20 20655 F 0117 1 11

Taco Twist Soup

The fun, family-friendly twist in this taco soup is the spiral pasta. I lightened this soup by substituting black beans for ground beef. —Colleen Zertler, Menomonie, Wisconsin

Taco Stuffed Baked Potatoes Exps Tohfm20 238517 B09 26 4b 9

Taco Baked Potatoes

Stuffed with your favorite fixings, this baked potato recipe is an easy meal in one. Make it vegetarian by using smashed black beans instead of ground beef. —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

Taco Skillet Pizza with Cornbread Crust

Our family loves taco pizza, and I have made so many versions of it. This recipe is like a deep-dish skillet pizza. It is a hearty meal and can be served straight out of the pan. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia

Taco Bowls

We love this dish because of its super simple prep. And each serving is so easy to customize with toppings. —Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio

Exps175295 Th153341b11 12 8b 2

Easy Ground Beef Taco Salad

Every time I have to bring a dish to a party, friends ask for my taco salad. Even players on my son’s football team ask for it. —Lori Buntrock, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Taco Pinwheels

These pinwheels come together quickly when you start with leftover taco meat. They make an appealing party appetizer served with salsa, or a fun lunch option with a salad on the side. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania

Taco Pizza Squares Exps Bfbz19 17840 E01 18 2b 4

Taco Pizza Squares

Everyone will come running the minute you take this fun twist on pizza out of the oven. I top convenient refrigerated pizza dough with leftover taco meat, tomatoes and cheese, bringing a full-flavored fiesta to the table in under half an hour. —Sarah Vovos, Middleton, Wisconsin.

Skillet Tacos Exps Sdfm19 37332 C10 19 8b 3

Skillet Tacos

This fast and healthy alternative to traditional tacos has a delicious southwestern flair. The fact that is comes together in just 30 minutes makes it even more irresistible. —Maria Gobel, Greenfield, Wisconsin

Taco Filled Pasta Shells Exps Ghbz18 13814 E08 15 4b 3

Taco-Filled Pasta Shells

I’ve been stuffing pasta shells with different fillings for years, but my family enjoys this version with taco-seasoned meat the most. The frozen shells are so convenient, because you can take out only the number you need for a single-serving lunch or family dinner. Just add zippy taco sauce and bake. —Marge Hodel, Roanoke, Illinois

Cheesy Chicken Taco Dip

We’re huge college football fans (go Irish!), and my chicken taco dip hasn’t missed a season opener in many years. A slow cooker keeps the dip warm for the whole game—if it lasts that long! —Deanna Garretson, Yucaipa, California

Deep-Dish Beef ‘n’ Bean Taco Pizza

My whole family enjoys this dish that tastes like a taco and looks like a deep-dish pizza. The thick tasty crust can handle lots of toppings, so load it up for a bright, fun meal. —Nancy Circle, Perkins, Oklahoma

Pressure Cooker Taco Pasta Exps Ft20 212738 F 0305 1 2

Instant Pot Taco Pasta

This Instant Pot taco pasta is a welcome change from boring meals. I’ve taken all the flavors of tacos and created an easy pasta dish. Kids love the taste, and Mom loves how quick and easy it comes together. To lighten things up, use ground turkey. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix Exps Ft19 47830 F 1213 1 18

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

Skip the store-bought stuff and learn how to make homemade taco seasoning mix yourself. This recipe is right on. It tastes like purchased mixes, but is cheaper and has nearly half the sodium. Your heart and wallet will surely thank you! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Meatless Taco Salad Exps Sdjj19 40322 E02 07 8b 5

Meatless Taco Salad

This colorful entree combines popular taco ingredients—minus the ground beef. And you won’t miss the meat at all! I top each serving with a creamy guacamole dressing, crunchy corn chips and cheese. —Kimberly Dray, Pflugerville, Texas

Taco Tater Skins

I wanted to make a version of these with ingredients most people have on hand. We make a meal out of these skins, but they’re also great for parties as appetizers. —Phyllis Douglas, Fairview, Michigan

Chicken Taco Pockets Exps Sdas18 205120 C03 28  4b 3

Chicken Taco Pockets

We love these taco-flavored sandwiches made with crescent dough. They make a quick, easy lunch or supper with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad. I also like to cut them into smaller servings for parties. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Salad Exps Hcbz21 175204 B10 13 1b 3

Slow-Cooker Chicken Taco Salad

We use this super-duper chicken across several meals, including it in tacos, sandwiches, omelets and enchiladas. My little guys love helping to measure the seasonings. —Karie Houghton, Lynnwood, Washington

Exps8202 Pr15d03 03 2b 5

Simple Taco Soup

We first sampled this chili-like taco soup recipe at a church dinner. What a warming dish for a cold day. And because it uses packaged seasonings with several cans of vegetables, it’s a snap to prepare. —Glenda Taylor, Sand Springs, Oklahoma

Here is a hot idea from our Test Kitchen—toast seeds from a freshly cut pumpkin in taco seasoning and a bit of garlic salt. The combination packs a tasty punch! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Taco Noodle Dish

I got creative while we were housebound during a snowstorm one winter…and used ingredients I had on hand to come up with this hearty casserole. Later, I modified it so it has less fat and fewer calories. —Judy Munger, Warren, Minnesota

Exps11019 Gb153642d01 07 3b 1 2

Tiny Taco Meatballs

These meatballs may be tiny, but they’re big on taste. Taco seasoning adds a tasty twist to these appetizers that my grandson gobbles up! —Joyce Markham, Belmond, Iowa

Exps734 Mc163887d03 08 10b 17

Texas Taco Dip Platter

When I’m entertaining, this colorful dish is my top menu choice. My friends can’t resist the hearty appetizer topped with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and olives. —Kathy Young, Weatherford, Texas

Easy Taco Cups Exps Hca19 164595 B09 11 4b 2

Easy Taco Cups

These zesty little cups rank high on my list of favorites because they combine three things I look for in a recipe: fast, easy and delicious! They make a simply fantastic finger food for parties, and my guests have fun selecting their desired toppings. —Ashley Jarvies, Manassa, CO

Ground Beef Taco Salad Exps Scmbz18 98345 C01 10 5b 14

Ground Beef Taco Salad

Everyone at our house loves this taco salad. In spring we look for something light and refreshing on the menu after the heavier comfort food of winter. —Muriel Bertrand, Shoreview, Minnesota

Taco Cornbread Casserole Exps 13x9bz19 165634 E10 10 3b 18

Taco Cornbread Casserole

A whole can of chiles adds fire to this cornbread casserole. For less heat, you can use just enough of the can for your taste. —Lisa Paul, Terre Haute, Indiana

Hearty Taco Chili Exps Cwfm17 40911 D10 12 3b 14

Hearty Taco Chili

Ranch dressing mix and taco seasoning give extra special flavor to my hearty chili. Folks will come back for seconds. —Julie Neuhalfen, Glenwood, Iowa

Taco Spaghetti Exps79284 Sd142780b08 16 6bc Rms 5

Taco Spaghetti

I came up with this kid-friendly Southwestern recipe one afternoon when I was using up leftover spaghetti and ground beef. When I’m lucky enough to have extra time, I make two batches and freeze one. —Johanna Van Ness, Wichita, Kansas

Ground Beef Taco Dip Exps Thso16 197293 C05 27 6b 9

Ground Beef Taco Dip

What’s a football party without taco dip? This version made with spicy ground beef and fresh toppings does not disappoint the die-hards. It is full of classic flavors and is a little extra filling for game day appetites. —Errika Perry, Green Bay, WI

Exps173656 Edsc163648d01 20 5b 2

Turkey Taco Macaroni

This is a nice little twist on a classic dish. If you love cheese, feel free to add more, and green peppers are a great taste if you want some vegetables. —Barb Kondolf, Hamlin, New York

Taco Meatball Ring Exps Thmbrds19 11007 C10 03 2b 13

Taco Meatball Ring

While it looks complicated, this attractive meatball-filled ring is really very easy to assemble. My family loves tacos, and we find that the crescent roll dough is a nice change from the usual tortilla shells or chips. There are never any leftovers when I serve this at a meal or as a party appetizer!
—Brenda Johnson, Davison, Michigan

Refried Bean Taco Pizza Exps Gbbz19 36656 E11 27 9b 12

Refried Bean-Taco Pizza

I like to make pizza, and this one is my favorite. I use a ready-to-use pizza crust when time is tight. If you like taco salad, you’ll love this. —Mary Detweiler, Middlefield, Ohio

Cornbread Taco Bake

Cornbread and beef bake together in one casserole dish, making this entree convenient. This Mexican cornbread casserole is packed with tempting seasonings, and the cheese and onions make an attractive topping. —Vicki Good, Oscoda, Michigan

Exps8694 Fm153592a03 20 1b 4

Potluck Taco Casserole

This is the dish I most often take to potlucks, and the pan comes home empty every time. It has the irresistible taco taste that everybody craves. —Kim Stoller, Smithville, Ohio

Read More

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *