Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese Recipe

Tired of the same old taco night? Why not switch things up with this delicious Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese? It’s the perfect mashup of two favorites: tacos and pasta. This hearty and cheesy dish will satisfy your cravings while being incredibly easy to make. With taco-seasoned ground beef, pasta, and the creamy goodness of melted cream cheese, it’s a one-pot wonder that your whole family will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Start by boiling a pot of water, adding a pinch of salt, and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside when done.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they soften, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and brown it, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula. Cook until the beef is no longer pink.

Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning

1. Mix in Taco Seasoning: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning packet and toss to coat the beef evenly. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and beef broth (or water), and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Stir in the Cream Cheese

1. Add Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese melts and blends into the beef mixture, creating a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese

1. Mix in the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the taco beef mixture. Stir well to combine so the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
2. Add Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the pasta, creating an ultra-cheesy, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Taste and Serve

1. Taste Test: Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like a little more heat, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
2. Serve Hot: Ladle the cheesy taco pasta into bowls and top with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or green onions for added flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: The familiar taco flavors paired with pasta and cheese will have even the pickiest eaters coming back for seconds.
• One-Pot Wonder: You can make this entire meal in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup after dinner.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to make this dish your own.

Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Taco Pasta

Use Fresh Ingredients:

• Opt for fresh toppings like cilantro, green onions, or diced tomatoes to add a burst of freshness and balance out the richness of the dish.

Experiment with Different Cheeses:

• While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Make it Spicy or Mild:

• Adjust the heat level by using mild or hot taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with chilies. You can also add a dash of hot sauce or a few jalapeños if you love spice.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Taco Pasta

With a Side Salad:

• A simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette will complement the richness of the cheesy pasta and add some balance to the meal.

With Tortilla Chips:

• Serve the taco pasta with a side of crunchy tortilla chips for a fun twist. They’re great for scooping up any leftover cheese sauce!

As a Casserole:

• Turn this dish into a baked casserole by transferring the finished pasta into a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and baking until bubbly and golden.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing in the Fridge:

• Store Leftovers: Place any leftover taco pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

• Reheat in the Microwave: Heat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Reheat on the Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves the flavors of tacos but wants something a little different. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with that signature taco seasoning you love. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, making it a go-to meal for the whole family. Whether you’re serving it with a side salad, crunchy tortilla chips, or enjoying it as-is, you’re in for a treat!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
   Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute would work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the taco pasta in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat.
3. Can I freeze Cheesy Taco Pasta?
   Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
4. What other pasta shapes can I use?
   Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini would be perfect for this dish. The goal is to use pasta that holds the cheesy sauce well.
5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Simply use gluten-free pasta and make sure your taco seasoning is gluten-free to accommodate any dietary restrictions.
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   Yield: 5

   Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese Recipe

   

   Print

   Tired of the same old taco night? Why not switch things up with this delicious Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese? It’s the perfect mashup of two favorites: tacos and pasta. This hearty and cheesy dish will satisfy your cravings while being incredibly easy to make. With taco-seasoned ground beef, pasta, and the creamy goodness of melted cream cheese, it's a one-pot wonder that your whole family will love.

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   Prep Time 10 minutes

   Cook Time 20 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
   • 8 oz pasta (such as rotini, penne, or shells)
   • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or homemade)
   • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
   • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
   • 1/2 cup sour cream
   • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
   • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
   • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
   • Salt and pepper, to taste
   • Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

   Instructions

   1. Cook the Pasta:
      Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   2. Cook the Ground Beef:
      In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
   3. Add Seasoning and Tomatoes:
      Stir in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juices). Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
   4. Add Broth and Cream Cheese:
      Pour in the beef broth and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
   5. Mix in Sour Cream and Cheeses:
      Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. If using Monterey Jack cheese, add that as well. Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
   6. Combine with Pasta:
      Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy taco sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the pasta absorb the flavors.
   7. Serve:
      Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, and serve hot.

   Notes

   Ground Meat Substitutes: You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian substitute like black beans or crumbled tofu.

   Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use diced tomatoes without green chilies or a mild taco seasoning. For more heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

   Cheese Options: Feel free to use your favorite cheeses like pepper jack or Colby jack for an extra cheesy twist.

   Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen up the sauce.