Who doesn’t love a mash-up of their favorite flavors? Enter the Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta—a delightful fusion of taco night staples wrapped up in a cozy, creamy pasta dish that’s sure to be a hit with the entire family. Imagine all the savory goodness of spiced ground beef, the rich creaminess of melted cheese, and the comforting embrace of pasta, all in one dish. It’s perfect for those cool evenings when you’re craving something hearty yet fun or when you need a midweek pick-me-up that’ll bring smiles to the dinner table.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty cilantro-lime dressing, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. And for a bit of extra fun, serve it with some crunchy tortilla chips on the side—perfect for scooping or sprinkling on top for a satisfying crunch. Ready to make your new favorite weeknight meal? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life:
- 1 lb ground beef: The heart of our taco-inspired pasta, bringing savory, meaty goodness.
- 1 package taco seasoning: For that unmistakable taco flavor we all know and love.
- 1 lb pasta shells or elbow macaroni: The perfect vessel for soaking up all the creamy, cheesy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce.
- 1 cup milk: For a smooth, creamy base.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The secret ingredient for an ultra-creamy sauce.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Because no cheesy dish is complete without a generous helping of cheddar.
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained: Adds a touch of acidity and spice, balancing the richness of the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
- Optional garnishes: Chopped cilantro, diced green onions, sour cream—whatever you like to add a little extra flair.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Bringing It All Together
Let’s break it down step by step so you can whip up this delicious meal with ease:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta: Start by cooking 1 lb of pasta shells or elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, set it aside, and try not to sneak too many bites—though I won’t blame you if you do.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Cook the beef: In a large skillet, brown 1 lb of ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart as it cooks until it’s no longer pink, and your kitchen smells like taco night.
Season: Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning. This is where the beef gets all its delicious, taco-y flavor. Set it aside for now while we work on the cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter: In the same pot you used for the pasta, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. We’re building the base for a seriously creamy sauce.
Add milk and cream cheese: Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk, then add 8 oz of softened cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and inviting.
Stir in cheddar cheese: Now for the best part—add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted and the sauce is rich and creamy. Try not to drool into the pot!
Step 4: Combine Everything
Mix in pasta and beef: Add the cooked pasta and seasoned ground beef to the cheese sauce. Stir in the can of drained diced tomatoes with green chilies, making sure everything is evenly coated in that cheesy goodness.
Season and simmer: Taste your creation and season with salt and pepper as needed. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Plate it up: Serve your Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta hot, garnished with your choice of chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Optional sides: Pair with a refreshing green salad or some tortilla chips for extra crunch and fun.
Variations & Tips: Customize to Your Heart’s Content
This recipe is all about bringing comfort and flavor to your table, but there’s plenty of room for creativity. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
Switch Up the Protein
Ground turkey or chicken: Not a beef fan? No problem! Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner, yet equally tasty, alternative.
Veggie lovers: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the meat for a plant-based ground or even lentils.
Add More Cheese
Pepper jack: If your family likes a little more heat, mix in some pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
Cheese blend: Experiment with different cheeses—mozzarella adds a gooey stretch, while a sharp white cheddar offers a tangy twist.
Sneak in Veggies
Corn and beans: Add a cup of corn or black beans when you mix the beef into the pasta for extra texture, flavor, and nutrients.
Bell peppers: Sauté some diced bell peppers with the beef for a colorful and healthy addition.
Make It Ahead
Meal prep friendly: This pasta heats up beautifully. If you have leftovers, just add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
Serving Suggestions: Round Out the Meal
This Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta is a hearty meal on its own, but here are some ideas to complete the experience:
Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a cilantro-lime dressing adds brightness and balances the rich flavors of the pasta.
Tortilla Chips: Serve on the side for scooping or crumbling on top for a delightful crunch.
Guacamole or Salsa: Add some fresh guacamole or a dollop of salsa on top for a burst of freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that’s both comforting and fun, and this Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta delivers on all fronts. It’s a great way to bring the flavors of taco night into a new and exciting form, perfect for cozy evenings or just when you need a little culinary adventure. Plus, it’s super versatile—so don’t be afraid to mix things up and make it your own.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. I guarantee it’ll be a hit with everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 lb pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro diced green onions, sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot used for the pasta, melt butter over medium heat. Slowly whisk in milk and add cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce is rich and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, seasoned ground beef, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the cheese sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
- Season and Simmer: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, green onions, and sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Variations: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use plant-based ground for a vegetarian version. Add extra vegetables like corn, beans, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a crisp green salad with cilantro-lime dressing, tortilla chips, or guacamole for a complete meal. Enjoy!