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Queso Taco Pasta

Queso Taco Pasta
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Queso Taco Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and spicy fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with tender pasta and melty queso cheese. Perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is family-friendly, customizable, and delivers a delicious taste sensation with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

Seasonings and Aromatics

  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese and Dairy

  • 1 cup queso cheese dip

Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients

  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Optional Add-ins

  • Oil for sautéing (1-2 tablespoons)
  • Additional cheese for garnish (shredded cheddar or pepper jack)
  • Sour cream for topping
  • Crushed tortilla chips for garnish
  • Additional veggies like corn, bell peppers, or spinach

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Meat. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Add Taco Seasoning and Tomatoes. Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the cooked meat and stir to fully coat. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and let simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Combine Pasta and Queso Cheese. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cooked pasta and queso cheese dip. Mix well until every noodle is coated in creamy queso sauce.
  5. Finish with Fresh Brightness. Turn off the heat and stir in freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to balance the richness with fresh, tangy notes.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta to keep it firm and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
  • Use high-quality queso dip for the best creamy, cheesy texture.
  • Sautéing onions and garlic before adding meat builds deeper flavor complexity.
  • Taste frequently and adjust seasoning to avoid over-salting since taco seasoning and queso can be salty.
  • Add fresh cilantro at the end to brighten and contrast the dish’s rich flavors.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/queso-taco-pasta/