Better Than Takeout Cheesy Taco Pasta
Better Than Takeout Cheesy Taco Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 20 minutes. After making this countless times, I’ve discovered the secret to perfectly cooked pasta and crispy taco meat. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Blueberry Butter Recipe and Vegan Taquitos.
Why This Better Than Takeout Cheesy Taco Pasta Is Pure Comfort
- Perfectly cooked pasta in every bite
- Crispy taco meat with a rich, creamy sauce
- Easy cleanup with just one pot
What You'll Need for Better Than Takeout Cheesy Taco Pasta
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Sliced avocado
- Optional: Chopped cilantro
- Optional: Sour cream
📝 Ingredient Notes
- ground beef: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Cast iron skillet — Even heat distribution for perfectly crispy taco meat → See on Amazon
- Box grater — Quick and easy shredding of cheese for perfect melt → See on Amazon
How to Make Better Than Takeout Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Brown the beef: In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add seasonings: Stir in taco seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add pasta and salsa: Add uncooked pasta and salsa to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer and cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Better Than Takeout Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the pasta. It will continue to cook in the sauce, so remove it from heat when it's still slightly underdone.
- : For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- : To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils.
Storing & Reheating Better Than Takeout Cheesy Taco Pasta
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the taco meat and cook the pasta separately ahead of time. Combine and add cheese just before serving.
Freezing Better Than Takeout Cheesy Taco Pasta
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and lean ground turkey.
- Best substitution: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the taco meat and cook the pasta separately ahead of time. Combine and add cheese just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the pasta is still too firm, add a little more water and cook for a few more minutes.
Want to level up this recipe?
Instant-read meat thermometer — Ensures perfectly cooked ground beef every time → Check price on Amazon
Better Than Takeout Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz pasta
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Seasonings
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add seasonings: Stir in taco seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add pasta and salsa: Add uncooked pasta and salsa to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Simmer and cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and liquid has been absorbed.
- Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and lean ground turkey.
- Best substitution: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the taco meat and cook the pasta separately ahead of time. Combine and add cheese just before serving.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the pasta is still too firm, add a little more water and cook for a few more minutes.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the taco meat and cook the pasta separately ahead of time. Combine and add cheese just before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 75g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sat. Fat: 12g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Better Than Takeout Cheesy Taco Pasta FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the taco meat and cook the pasta separately ahead of time. Combine and add cheese just before serving.
You may have overcooked the pasta or not added enough liquid. To fix, add a little more water or broth and cook for a few more minutes.
No, this recipe is best made in a pot on the stove. The air fryer is not suitable for cooking pasta.
Cooked lentils or black beans make a great vegetarian substitute.
Yes, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Better Than Takeout Cheesy Taco Pasta and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
