Introduction

This Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with creamy cheese sauce for a comforting twist on pasta night. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together ground beef and melted cheese in every bite.

The dish in a white bowl shows three main layers: at the bottom are coiled pasta pieces in pale yellow with a smooth, slightly ridged texture; the middle layer has small bits of cooked ground meat in brown, scattered evenly among the pasta; the top layer features melted bright orange cheese spread over the pasta and meat, with small bits of red tomato and tiny green herbs dotted on top, adding color contrast. The image has a shallow focus, and the white bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Instructions

Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add taco seasoning to the beef along with a little water as directed on the seasoning package. Stir and simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Step 4: In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in milk and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the cream cheese sauce until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine the cooked pasta, seasoned beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cheese sauce in a large bowl or pot. Mix well to coat evenly.
Step 7: Warm everything together on low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.
Step 8: Serve hot with optional chopped cilantro sprinkled on top for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar if you prefer a spicy kick.
For a dairy-free alternative, try cream cheese and cheddar substitutes made from nuts or soy.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with pasta made of spiral rotini noodles cooked to a light yellow color. Mixed in are small pieces of ground beef in a brown shade and bright orange melted cheddar cheese that evenly covers the noodles and meat. Small bits of red tomato and green herbs are scattered throughout the dish, adding color contrast. The white bowl has a simple ribbed design along the sides and rests on a white marbled surface. The image focuses on the rich texture of the cheesy pasta mix, highlighting its creamy and hearty look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the pasta and beef in advance and assemble the dish just before serving. Keep the cheese sauce warm or reheat it gently when ready to combine.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

While you can freeze this pasta, the texture of the cream cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 124 reviews

This Cheesy Taco Cream Cheese Pasta combines the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef with creamy cheeses and tender pasta shells, creating a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal with a hint of Mexican-inspired zest from diced tomatoes with green chilies.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

1 lb ground beef
1 package taco seasoning

Pasta & Dairy

1 lb pasta shells or elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
1 cup milk
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Additional Ingredients

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro (diced)

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning along with a small amount of water as directed on the seasoning package. Cook for a few minutes until the beef is well coated and the seasoning is absorbed.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta shells or elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Melt Butter and Cream Cheese: In the same skillet with the seasoned beef, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until smooth and creamy.
Combine Milk and Cheeses: Gradually pour in the milk while stirring to loosen the cream cheese mixture. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth.
Add Tomatoes and Pasta: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes with green chilies and cooked pasta, mixing until everything is evenly combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm.