Spectacular Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe: A Family Favorite

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy cheesy taco pasta recipe hits all the right notes with its irresistible blend of flavors.

Spicy ground beef mingles perfectly with tender pasta, creating a mouthwatering meal that sparks excitement at the dinner table.

Zesty seasonings dance through each bite, promising a culinary adventure that’s both comforting and bold.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the rich, melty goodness that blankets every single noodle.

Simple ingredients come together in a quick and satisfying dish that feels like a fiesta on your plate.

The combination of taco-inspired spices and cheesy pasta creates a crowd-pleasing meal that disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!” Dive into this delectable recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a celebration of flavor.

Cooking Gear for Cheesy, Beefy Pasta Bliss

• Large Slow Cooker: 6-quart size, essential for mixing and cooking all ingredients together.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly during cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for cubing Velveeta and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise cutting of cheese and other ingredients.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta shells.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure evaporated milk and other liquid ingredients.
• Skillet: For browning and draining ground beef before adding to slow cooker.

Easy Instructions for This Taco-Inspired Pasta Dish

• Taco Pasta Setup

Grab a large slow cooker and get ready for a flavor explosion. This cheesy masterpiece will transform your dinner into a crowd-pleasing feast that everyone will love.

• Meat and Seasoning Magic

Brown the ground beef in a skillet until it’s perfectly crispy. Sprinkle in some zesty taco seasoning, letting the spices dance and mingle with the meat.

• Pasta and Cheese Fusion

Toss your cooked pasta shells right into the slow cooker. Add the seasoned beef and drop in cubes of creamy Velveeta. Pour in some evaporated milk to create a silky sauce that will make your taste buds sing.

• Slow Cooker Transformation

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. On low heat, let everything bubble and blend for 2-3 hours. If you’re in a hurry, crank it to high and wait 1-1.5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure every bite is packed with cheesy goodness.

• Serving Time

Scoop out this dreamy dish into bowls. Top with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sprinkle some green onions for an extra pop of flavor. Your dinner just went from ordinary to extraordinary.

Tips for Extra Cheese Pull & Taco Flair

• Taco Pasta Powerhouse Tricks
• Meat Magic: Choose lean ground beef (85/15) to reduce excess grease while maintaining rich flavor. Drain thoroughly after browning to keep the dish from becoming oily.
• Cheese Melting Secret: Cut Velveeta into small, uniform cubes for faster, smoother melting. Smaller pieces ensure even distribution and creamier texture throughout the pasta.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild, medium, or hot varieties. Mix your own blend using chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a personalized kick.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prep ingredients the night before and store separately in refrigerator. Combine in slow cooker morning of serving for stress-free meal preparation.
• Topping Extravaganza: Elevate dish with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced green onions, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream just before serving for extra texture and flavor complexity.

Serve Taco Pasta for Game Day or Family Dinners

• Family Fiesta Plating: Serve this cheesy taco pasta in vibrant, colorful bowls that make the dish pop. Top with fresh chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for a restaurant-style presentation that'll impress everyone at the dinner table.
• Taco Night Companion: Pair this creamy pasta with crispy tortilla chips, zesty salsa, or a refreshing side salad with lime vinaigrette. These complementary sides will elevate the meal and add extra texture and flavor to your dining experience.
• Leftover Magic Makeover: Transform any remaining pasta into a delightful lunch by wrapping it in a warm tortilla or using it as a topping for crispy nachos. Cold or reheated, this versatile dish keeps the flavor excitement going beyond the initial meal.
• Spice Level Customization: Let diners personalize their plate by offering optional toppings like sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This interactive approach allows everyone to adjust the heat to their preferred spiciness level.

Keep Taco Pasta in the Fridge

• Meal Planning & Storage Wisdom
• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making each reheated bite even more delicious.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion out cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. This meal can be frozen for 2-3 months, providing a quick dinner solution on busy nights.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and prevent cheese from separating.
• Lunch Prep Hack: Pack individual servings in meal prep containers for a convenient work or school lunch. The dish tastes great slightly chilled or warmed up, making it a versatile meal option.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 508 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients That Make Cheesy Taco Pasta Irresistible

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, meaty flavor and substantial protein base for the dish, opt for lean cuts to balance richness.

• Pasta Shells: Creates perfect cheese-catching pockets, select medium-sized shells for ideal texture and sauce absorption.

• Taco Seasoning, Evaporated Milk, Velveeta, Butter: Delivers bold southwestern zest, creamy consistency, and luxurious melting qualities, choose full-fat versions for maximum flavor intensity and smooth texture.

Creamy Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty cheesy taco pasta delight combines Mexican and Italian cuisines in one comforting meal. Zesty spices, melted cheese, and ground beef create a quick dinner solution for families who crave bold flavors without complicated preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef
• 16 oz (454 g) velveeta, cubed
• 12 fl oz (340 ml) evaporated milk
• ¼ cup (57 g) butter, cut into thin pats
• 3 cups (270 g) uncooked pasta shells
• 2 oz (57 g) taco seasoning (equivalent to 2 1-oz packets)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Thoroughly brown ground beef in a skillet until no pink remains, then drain excess fat to maintain a lean consistency.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil pasta shells in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside, preserving their ideal texture.
3. Slow Cooker Setup: Lightly spray the slow cooker interior with cooking spray to prevent ingredient adhesion.
4. Layer Foundation: Create an even base by transferring seasoned ground beef into the slow cooker, then spread cooked pasta shells uniformly across the surface.
5. Flavor Infusion: Evenly sprinkle taco seasoning over the pasta and meat to distribute robust flavor throughout the mixture.
6. Cheese Integration: Cube Velveeta cheese and butter into uniform pieces, then scatter across the top of the pasta and meat to ensure smooth melting.
7. Liquid Binding: Gently pour evaporated milk over the ingredients, facilitating a creamy sauce that will bind all components together.
8. Slow Cooking Process: Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing ingredients to meld and cheese to melt gradually for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
9. Serving Preparation: Once cheese has completely melted and ingredients are thoroughly combined, the dish is ready to be served piping hot.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Tip: Brown ground beef completely to eliminate any pink, guaranteeing food safety and enhancing overall flavor profile.
• Pasta Cooking Strategy: Salt boiling water generously and cook shells just until al dente to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushiness.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Cut Velveeta into uniform cubes for consistent melting, ensuring smooth sauce without lumpy patches.
• Slow Cooker Wisdom: Stir periodically during cooking to prevent ingredient settling and promote even heat distribution, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 508
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1025 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 91 mg