When Italy meets Mexico, Cheesy Taco Pasta happens! Taco seasoning and jalapeno peppers give the meat sauce a spicy Mexican twist and shredded cheddar makes it gooey and delicious!
Your whole family will love you for this meal and will want you to make it again and again!
What Goes Into The Best Cheesy Taco Pasta?
Have the following ingredients on hand before you start to cook:
- Lean ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Jalapeno pepper
- Taco seasoning
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Water
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Pasta shells
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Can I Make The Best Cheesy Taco Pasta?
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserve one cup of cooking water, drain, and reserve.
- While the pasta is cooking, make the meat sauce: in a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the onion and garlic until fully cooked.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, taco seasoning, and reserved pasta cooking water to the meat. Cook for 2 minutes, and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix in one cup of shredded cheddar and stir until melted.
- Pour the meat sauce over the cooked pasta, stir until well combined and serve hot with freshly chopped cilantro on top.
Can I Freeze Cheesy Taco Pasta?
You can! Store it in an airtight container and in the fridge for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for up to 4 months.
What Is The Best Cheese For Cheesy Taco Pasta?
- Cheddar cheese
- Mexican blend cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
Other Pasta Recipes For You:
- Shredded Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe
- Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
- Baked Feta Pasta
- Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Best Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
When Italy meets Mexico, Cheesy Taco Pasta happens!
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Servings: 6
Calories: 378kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta shells
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 2 garlic clove, minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1- 2.5 oz packet of taco seasoning
- 1-15 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserve one cup of cooking water, drain, and reserve.
- While the pasta is cooking, make the meat sauce: in a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef along with the onion and garlic until fully cooked.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, taco seasoning, and reserved pasta cooking water to the meat. Cook for 2 minutes, and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix in one cup of shredded cheddar and stir until melted.
- Pour the meat sauce over the cooked pasta, stir until well combined and serve hot with freshly chopped cilantro on top.
Notes
- Don’t forget to save the pasta cooking water so the meat mixture can be “saucy”.
- Do not overcook the pasta shells. Cook them al dente.
- If feeding children, you might want to skip the jalapenos!
Nutrition
Calories: 378kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 15g