Description
This Cheesy Taco Pasta is a flavorful and comforting one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender rotini pasta, zesty salsa, and melted Mexican cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an easy weeknight dinner that brings together classic taco flavors and creamy pasta, perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz rotini pasta
Meat & Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
Other Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large pot, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pot as needed to avoid greasiness.
- Add seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water to the cooked ground beef. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the water has evaporated and the beef is well coated with seasoning.
- Combine pasta and salsa: Add the cooked rotini and salsa directly into the pot with the seasoned beef. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add cheese and melt: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded Mexican cheese until melted throughout the pasta mixture. Remove the pot from heat, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top, and allow it to melt before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if preferred.
- Substitute salsa with a mild or spicy version depending on taste preference.
- For extra veggies, consider adding diced bell peppers or onions while cooking the beef.
- Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for added creaminess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
