Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe (Easy One-Pot Family Dinner)

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines bold Tex-Mex flavors with creamy, cheesy pasta goodness, this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Made in just one pot and ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is a weeknight hero that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

This recipe is often described as a taco mac and cheese or a taco hamburger helper copycat, but it’s even better than anything from a box. Juicy ground beef seasoned with warm spices, tender pasta shells, and a rich, cheesy sauce come together into a meal the whole family will request again and again.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, cooking for a busy household, or just craving something cozy and satisfying, this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe checks all the boxes: quick, affordable, filling, and incredibly delicious.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

There are countless reasons why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

First, it’s a true one-pot meal. That means fewer dishes, less cleanup, and more time to relax after dinner. Everything—from browning the beef to cooking the pasta and melting the cheese—happens in one pot.

Second, it’s packed with flavor. Taco-inspired spices like cumin, garlic powder, and dried onion infuse the beef with savory depth, while diced tomatoes with green chilies add just the right amount of tang and mild heat.

Third, it’s family-friendly and customizable. You can easily adjust the spice level, swap cheeses, or add vegetables to suit your taste. Even picky eaters tend to love this cheesy, comforting dish.

Finally, this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is budget-friendly. Made with pantry staples like pasta, ground beef, milk, and cheese, it’s an affordable meal that feeds a crowd without sacrificing flavor.

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What Is Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta?

Cheesy beef taco pasta is a fusion dish that blends classic American comfort food with Tex-Mex flavors. Think of it as a cross between tacos, mac and cheese, and hamburger helper—only fresher, creamier, and far more satisfying.

Instead of taco shells or tortillas, this recipe uses pasta shells that trap the cheesy sauce in every bite. Ground beef is seasoned with taco-style spices, simmered in broth and milk, then finished with plenty of melted cheese for a rich, velvety texture.

The result is a hearty, one-pot pasta dish that tastes indulgent but is incredibly easy to make.

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Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that work together to create maximum flavor.

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin – Adds warm, earthy taco flavor

• 1 ½ teaspoons dried minced onion – Enhances savory depth

• 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder – Boosts overall flavor

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Adds richness and body to the sauce

• ½ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies – Rotel brand is preferred

• 1 cup beef broth – Provides savory flavor and helps cook the pasta

• 1 ½ cups whole milk, divided – Creates a creamy sauce

• 1 cup water – Helps cook the pasta evenly

• 8 oz shell pasta – Perfect for holding the cheesy sauce

• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded – Melts smoothly

• 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded – Adds classic cheesy flavor

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Best Pasta for Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta

Shell pasta is ideal for this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe because it holds onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is rich and flavorful. However, if you don’t have shells on hand, other pasta shapes work well too:

• Elbow macaroni

• Rotini

• Penne

• Cavatappi

Just be sure to adjust cooking time based on the pasta package instructions.

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How to Make Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Here’s how it comes together.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef, ground cumin, dried minced onion, and garlic powder. Break the beef apart as it cooks, stirring frequently until fully browned.

Once cooked, drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and 1 cup of whole milk to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. This step allows the flavors to meld together before adding the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the shell pasta and 1 cup of water to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Refer to your pasta package for approximate cooking times.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Monterey Jack cheese, mild cheddar cheese, and the remaining ½ cup of whole milk.

Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and serve immediately while warm. The pasta will thicken slightly as it sits, making it even more comforting.

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Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

• Shred your own cheese for the smoothest melt and creamiest texture

• Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften as it rests

• Reserve some milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much

• Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom

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Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to change it up:

Spicy Version

• Add chili powder or cayenne pepper

• Stir in diced jalapeños or hot Rotel

Veggie-Packed Option

• Add diced bell peppers or onions

• Stir in corn or black beans for extra texture

Creamier Version

• Replace part of the milk with heavy cream

• Add a spoonful of cream cheese

Protein Swaps

• Use ground turkey or ground chicken

• Try plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option

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What to Serve with Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta

This dish is filling on its own, but pairing it with simple sides makes it even better.

• Fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans

• Tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cheesy beef taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and stir well before serving.

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Can You Freeze Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with extra milk to revive the sauce.

Print

Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: ~520

• Protein: ~28g

• Carbohydrates: ~45g

• Fat: ~26g

• Fiber: ~3g

Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If making ahead, reheat with milk to keep it creamy.

Is this Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe spicy?

It’s mildly spiced. You can easily adjust the heat level to your preference.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.

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Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a comforting, crave-worthy meal. With bold taco flavors, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a family-friendly meal, or a cozy comfort food fix, this one-pot taco pasta delivers every time. Easy to customize, budget-friendly, and irresistibly cheesy, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.