This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy
This cheesy taco pasta is a quick and easy one dish dinner that the whole family will love! I like to top mine with cilantro, avocado, and sour cream. So good and cheesy!
My kids and I were talking about our trip to Europe the other day and my son was complaining about the fact that people rag on England for not having good food.
The kid enjoyed the food at every restaurant we ate at and he was trying new things left and right. He had a great time exploring the food scene, which makes him one of my favorite people to travel with. 😉
I mentioned that, while I agreed the food was good enough, there was an alarming lack of tacos. I would get excited and point out any Mexican joint I saw, which was usually a little burrito shop tucked in between a couple of tourist spots.
I mean, look. I enjoyed Europe. Ireland and Scotland are both vying for the top spot on my list of places to return. But I could never live there. Not without more Mexican food. Not without A LOT more Mexican food.
It’s just my favorite thing ever. So, I created this Mexican-inspired cheesy taco pasta to share with you all.
Don’t you love how I go on and on about my love of Mexican food and then I share this weird American-ized version of tacos and pasta all mashed together? I can’t help myself. I love the authentic stuff when we go out to eat, but I’m just a white girl in the middle of Illinois here. I make amazing American-ized Mexican food, but don’t come to me for the authentic stuff. Sorrrrrry. Like my chicken enchilada casserole, for example. I don’t think they eat that in Mexico, but that’s just a hunch.
My carnitas, on the other hand… I think those are pretty authentic. They sure are delicious anyway.
This cheesy taco pasta will be a sure hit in your family, too!
So, anyway. My kiddos love my homemade hamburger helper recipe, so I decided to switch it up with Mexican flavors. Hello, cheesy taco pasta. Let’s get married and run away together.
You’re going to love how easy this is. It’s made in one dish and takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. I love how flavorful the pasta gets when it’s cooked right in the same pot as the meat and seasonings. Totally brilliant if you ask me! My chicken florentine pasta is a perfect example of how tasty a one dish dinner can be!
One Pot Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup dry macaroni
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon corn starch
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- Cilantro, tomato, avocado, for serving
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a 12 inch skillet over medium heat, crumbling it as it cooks. Drain grease.
- Add the macaroni, water, milk, cornstarch, and taco seasoning to the skillet with the beef. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 12 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, stir in the cheddar cheese, and cover for 2 minutes.
- Stir well. Top with cilantro, diced tomato, and avocado before serving.
Staci says
As an American living abroad/Germany for 23 yrs. No going without any of your favorites when you can cook!! Great recipe BTW
Karly says
Thanks, Staci!
Marie says
Oh Yes! this is right up my comfort food alley. Love this
Liz says
Even though I have the luxury of grown kids, I still get lazy when it comes to dinners. This pasta looks fabulous and the less dishes to clean the better!!
Anna says
Karly, you are so on point with the lack of Mexican food in UK! I’ve moved to UK about 15 years ago, and I remember at the start, I could not stand the food here, so…. I learned to cook! 🙂 Now, I wouldn’t swap it for the world, but I do think we need a bit more variety (especially Mexican, because I also love Mexican food!). Your dish looks really tasty!
Julie Evink says
My family would love this, then again can you really go wrong with Pasta and Mexican?! I think not!
Blair says
You had me at “one pot!” And “taco!” And “pasta!”
This is totally my kind of meal, and the whole family would love it!
Tricia @ Saving Room for Dessert says
Everybody would love this casserole at my house! Love all that cheesy deliciousness 🙂 Have a great week Karly!
Carla Skidmore says
I would skip the tomato and its seeds due to diverticulosis, a problem for both my husband and myself, but that hamburger one-dishI am well dinner is one I will try this week, It looks easy as well as delicious. I am well into my 80s, so the easier the better, as I have been cooking longer than you have been alive, Karly, maybe since your mom has been alive. LOL