Cheesy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef
A kid-approved twist on taco night featuring ground beef, melty cheese, and pasta in a creamy sauce. This american-inspired kid friendly ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, ground beef, (15 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef until browned and crumbled, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes and 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning, then simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then top with 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cheesy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef?
American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
