Quick Cheesy Taco Pasta
Let me share this amazing 20-minute dinner with you. This Easy Cheesy Taco Pasta with Cream Cheese is pure comfort food magic. I love how the pasta shells grab all that creamy cheesy sauce and the seasoned beef makes it taste just like your favorite tacos. It's one of those recipes that saves dinner time over and over again.
Why This Pasta Wins
You guys this is like having tacos and mac and cheese all in one dish. It's so quick to throw together with ingredients you probably already have and you can make it exactly how your family likes it. Perfect for those busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
What You Need
- The Base: Small or medium pasta shells catch all that sauce perfectly.
- The Meat: Lean ground beef gives great flavor.
- Taco Time: Your favorite taco seasoning works great here.
- Creamy Dream: Cream cheese makes everything extra rich.
- Extra Cheesy: Shredded cheese pick your favorite kind.
- Just a Splash: Water to make that perfect sauce.
Making Your Taco Pasta
- Start Cooking
- Get your pasta going then brown that beef drain it add your seasonings and water let it simmer.
- Make It Creamy
- Cut up your cream cheese stir it into the beef until it gets all melty and smooth.
- Bring It Together
- Mix in your cooked pasta add cheese pop it in a dish top with more cheese and bake until bubbly.
Make It Your Way
Feel free to switch up the pasta shape try ground turkey or spice it up with hot taco seasoning. Sometimes I throw in tomatoes peppers or black beans. Love toppings? Add sour cream green onions or crushed tortilla chips on top.
Save Some For Later
Keep any leftovers in the fridge for about 3 days just warm them up in the microwave. Want to freeze it? It'll keep for 3 months just thaw overnight when you're ready for round two.
Quick Tips To Know
Any cream cheese works great here use light if you want or full fat for extra richness. Got leftover taco meat? Perfect use it to make this even faster. And yes you can totally make it ahead just pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of pasta works best?
Medium shells work great for holding the sauce, but you can use any short pasta like penne or rotini.
- Can I use lower fat ground beef?
While 80/20 beef is preferred for flavor, leaner beef works too. Just know the sauce might be slightly less rich.
- How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping?
Cut it into small cubes and make sure it's room temperature before adding. Stir constantly while incorporating.
- Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats well within 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating if needed to restore creaminess.
- What can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, or top with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.