Description
A quick and delicious Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe that combines flavorful seasoned beef, rotini pasta, salsa, and melted cheese for a comforting weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy evenings and customizable with your favorite cheese and salsa heat level.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces Rotini pasta (or any pasta type available)
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound Ground Beef (or ground turkey or plant-based alternative)
- 2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning (homemade preferred)
- 1 cup Water (optional if using liquid salsa)
- 1 cup Salsa (mild, medium, or hot, based on preference)
Cheese
- 1.5 cups Shredded Mexican Cheese blend (or cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Brown the ground beef: Using the same pot, add the ground beef over medium heat. Cook and crumble the beef until it is fully browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Season the beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and add a splash of water if needed. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the water evaporates and the beef is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Combine pasta and salsa: Add the cooked rotini pasta back into the pot with the seasoned beef. Pour in the salsa and stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add cheese to melt: Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese into the pasta mixture while it’s still warm. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and creates a creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for extra flavor. Serve generous portions into bowls and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Adjust the type and spiciness of salsa to suit your family’s taste preference, from mild to hot.
- Using homemade taco seasoning can enhance the freshness and flavor of the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
