Pin it
If you love tacos and cheesy pasta, why not combine them into one incredible, flavor-packed dish? This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a quick and easy one-pot meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with taco seasoning and ground beef.
It’s the perfect weeknight dinner—ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will become a go-to comfort food favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta
- ½ lb ground beef (any fat content – leaner works best)
- 1 small onion, diced (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or green)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups small or medium shell pasta (rotini or penne work too)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 cups beef broth (or bone broth for extra nutrients)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1½ tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
For the Cheese Blend
- ½ cup cottage cheese (substitute ricotta or cream cheese)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Optional for heat: Diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes
How to Make Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta
Pin it
- Step 1: Cook the Beef & Veggies
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Step 2: Add Peppers, Garlic & Spices
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, taco seasoning, and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Step 3: Simmer the Pasta
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and tomato sauce. Stir in the uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add an extra ½ cup of broth.
- Step 4: Add Beans & Cheesy Goodness
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the black beans. Add cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Mexican blend cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Let everything melt together for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Give everything a final stir, then serve warm. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
How to Store & Reheat
Pin it
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Pro Tip: Add a splash of beef broth when reheating to keep it creamy.
This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is a quick, creamy, and flavorful meal that brings together taco night and pasta night in one dish.
Whether you’re looking for a one-pot dinner, a comforting meal, or a fun twist on tacos, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Try it tonight and enjoy the bold, cheesy goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes! Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well in this recipe.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- → Can I make this spicier?
- Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, extra taco seasoning, or hot sauce.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
- Yes! Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra black beans.
- → What toppings go well with this dish?
- Chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips are great options!