If you’re a fan of both tacos and cheesy pasta, then queso taco pasta is about to become your new favorite dish. This easy recipe combines all the bold flavors of taco night with the creamy goodness of queso cheese and the heartiness of pasta. So, whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner on a busy weeknights or want to mix things up for Taco Tuesday, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love Queso Taco Pasta
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Creamy Queso Sauce: The creamy queso cheese sauce adds an indulgent, velvety texture that’s perfectly paired with the hearty taco seasonings.
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Taco Flavors: The bold taco seasoning combined with creamy queso ensures every bite is bursting with rich and savory taco flavors.
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Taco Tuesday Idea: This twist on traditional tacos is a great way to make Taco Tuesday even more exciting for the whole family.
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Kid Friendly Meal: This Queso Taco Pasta dish is a family favorite since it’s loved by the kids and adults. Plus it’s an easy way to get your little ones to enjoy both cheese and pasta.
Simple Ingredients
- Penne Pasta
- Olive Oil
- Ground Beed
- Yellow Onion
- Bell Peppers
- Taco Seasoning
- Gordo’s Cheese Dip
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis
How To Make Queso Taco Pasta
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, diced onions, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add in the ground beef and cook until there is no pink remaining. Season the meat with a packet of taco seasoning.
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet and pour in the cheese dip. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheesy sauce is melted. Serve and enjoy your creamy, cheesy taco pasta!
Tip and Tricks for The BEST Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Drain Excess Grease: For best results after cooking your meat, be sure to drain off any excess grease so the dish stays rich but not too greasy.
- Pasta Shape: For a great texture, use penne pasta, pasta shells, elbow macaroni, or small pasta shapes that will trap the creamy queso sauce in every bite.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cumin to the meat mixture. You can also toss in some jalapeños or extra green chiles for extra heat.
- Add Extra Vegetables: For a healthier twist, add extra veggies like corn, zucchini, or spinach. They’ll blend nicely with the flavors of the taco seasoning and queso.
How To Store Leftovers
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Let It Cool: Allow the pasta to cool down to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation in your container.
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Airtight Container: Store your leftovers in an airtight container to keep the flavors locked in and prevent moisture loss.
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Refrigerate: You can keep your queso taco pasta in the fridge for about 3 days. Just reheat it for a quick and tasty meal.
FAQ
- What are the best toppings for queso taco pasta? Chopped green onions, fresh diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cilantro are great for adding freshness and extra flavor.
- Can I make this dish spicier? If you want to kick up the heat, you can add more chili powder, cumin, or a few diced jalapeños to the mix. If you like even more spice, try adding hot sauce to your portion when serving.
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? Yes! You can easily swap ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef. The taco seasoning and queso sauce will complement any ground meat option, giving you a lighter version of this flavorful dish.
If you gave this recipe a try, drop a comment below! I love reading your feedback!
Still hungry? Check out a few more of my favorites:
Meat Lover’s Pizza Rice Skillet
Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Penne Pasta
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound Ground Beed
- ½ Yellow Onion diced
- 2 Bell Peppers diced
- 1 packet Taco Seasoning
- 16 ounces Gordo’s Cheese Dip
- 10 ounces Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis
Instructions
- Cook the pasta per the package instructions. In a large skillet over medium high heat add in the olive oil, diced onions and bell peppers. Allow them to sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften then add in the ground beef. Cook until no pink is noted within the meat then season with a packet of taco seasoning.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet and pour in the cheese dip. Stir until well combined. Serve & enjoy!
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