Description
Cheesy Queso Taco Pasta is a bold, flavor-packed mashup of taco night and creamy pasta indulgence. With seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a luxuriously cheesy queso sauce, this one-pot wonder delivers Tex-Mex comfort in every bite—quick, hearty, and kid-approved!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2 cups dry pasta (e.g., rotini or shells)
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 cup jarred queso cheese dip
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes with green chiles (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and a splash of water. Stir well to coat the meat and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add dry pasta and 2 cups of water or beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for 10–12 minutes or until pasta is cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in the queso dip, shredded cheddar, milk (or cream), and diced tomatoes with chiles if using. Mix until everything is creamy and heated through.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let rest 2–3 minutes for sauce to thicken slightly.
- Top with chopped cilantro or green onions before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicier kick, use spicy queso or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great lunch the next day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: queso taco pasta, cheesy taco pasta, one pot pasta, Tex-Mex recipe, creamy taco pasta, ground beef pasta