Cheesy Taco Pasta is easy to make and tastes like the Hamburger Helper you used to eat as a kid except better. Much better.
Cheesy Taco Pasta is my nod to the hamburger helper I grew up eating as a kid. While this isn’t exactly the “crunchy taco hamburger helper” because I skipped adding the tortilla chips on top, the ooey gooey meat and cheese sauce is still the same and with just a few ingredients!
You can certainly add your own fresh vegetables to the mix instead of the salsa, but I used a good jarred salsa and it tasted fantastic. On occasion I’ve also used fresh salsa (I firmly believe that recipe is one of the best ever), but the higher water content of it makes the pasta more watery.
You can also make this Cheesy Taco Pasta as cheesy as you’d like. I added only a single cup of cheese, while some in my family will add additional piles of cheese to their plate. If you want your pasta to be really cheesy I suggest 2 cups of cheese. 
You can also freeze this pasta for a later date. I’d skip adding the cheese and when you defrost it, use a cup of chicken or beef stock. Then once warmed through add the cheese, mix and serve.
Looking for more great cheesy pasta dishes? Look no further:
- Cheesy Taco Stuffed Shells – the XL version of this recipe!
- Bacon Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper
- Pepperoni Pizza Hamburger Helper
- Philly Cheesesteak Hamburger Helper
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
And yes, you can absolutely add crushed chips to the top! Then you’ll be re-living some awesome childhood hamburger helper memories. Or if you want something a bit different you can also make my Mexican Stuffed Peppers with all the taco flavors but none of the pasta!
Tools Used in the making of this Cheesy Taco Pasta:
Cast Iron Skillet: This is my most used pan in my kitchen, heavy, keeps heat well and gives the BEST sear ever.
Large Shells Pasta: I am linking to this because when I sent my husband to the store to get large shells he brought home the variety you stuff! So for reference here is the size you need!
Jarred Salsa: Cuts the prep time down to just a couple of minutes and the flavors are still outstanding.
Taco Seasoning: I use this to cut down on prep time but still keep quality high. You can use my Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe if you’d prefer not to use a packet.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound large shells pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the shelled pasta according to the directions on the box and drain.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and brown well.
- Drain the fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and ¾ cup of water, stir and cook until water is gone.
- Add the pasta back into the pot with the salsa and cheese.
- Stir to combine.
- Serve immediately, preferably with crunchy tortilla chips (optional) on top.
Nutrition
Made this last night and it was really good. Kids asked me to make it again lol, so that says something. Followed the recipe but did add extra cheese, because we all love cheese. Also garnished it with a sprinkle of cheese, green onions and sour cream. Definite keeper thanks.
I used tomato sauce instead of salsa and added about 2 tablespoons of sour cream and some velveeta
I made this but instead of adding the water I added enchilada sauce and it added extra flavor and turned out fantastic.
Such a great idea!
I want only chicken and vegetarien recipes
So easy and tastes so good! We put the leftovers in a pit of tomato soup. Best tomato soup ever!
We loved this recipe!! We traded out the pasta for a veggie pasta and the beef we traded for ground turkey but it was still so yummy!
This pasta dish was excellent. Thank you so much for this recipe my family thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s simple, delicious, and healthy.
I wanted to like this, but this just was lacking a lot of flavor. I used your taco seasoning recipe, and I really had to amp it up with some sazón, adobo, and double over the other seasonings. It was good once I tweaked around.
I also used leftover pasta water instead of regular water and some tomato paste.
Decent base just needs more seasoning.
Glad you were able to adjust to your liking.
This just replaced my mom’s baked Mac n cheese since as long as I can remember. It was great stop and shop brand fresh salsa is excellent in this recipe!!!!! Will be making later for family holidays. Not dry not watery, flavors mix well. We love extra cheesee
I’m so glad you guys enjoyed it! Thanks for coming back to let me know!
It’s great! Easy to make for my husband if I’m not home! Ladies, give him this recipe, kids LOVE it! He cannot mess up this DISH! IDIOTPROOF LOL
Haha!! Love it!
Absolutely yum! Partner loves it, when reheating to stop it going to dry I add a bit more salsa. Would make a hundred times
Yay!! Thanks for coming back to let me know!
What is a serving size?
About a cup. 🙂
Excellent recipe! I cooked the meat, added the salsa and taco seasoning. I added about 2 cups of water and let it come to a boil. Then I added the uncooked pasta and cooked until the pasta was tender (about 10 minutes) and the sauce was thickened. Great by itself but hubby likes chopped onions, jalapenos, and even black olives on top.
Made this tonight. Really quick meal. I added diced tomatoes & extra salsa (chunky). It was great & will make great leftovers.
Mine turned out perfectly!! I even added corn and black beans (both rinsed before adding) and it was DELICIOUS!! I cannot describe how happy I am that a Pinterest meal actually turned out terrific!! I will absolutely be making this again! ??
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for coming back to let me know!
Can I use ground turkey? Looks delicious & simple as I dont like 2 cook.
Sure 🙂
Made this with ground pork. A great recipe. Easy and delish!
Just made this! My daughter barely came up for air she enjoyed it so much, and she’s a notorious picky eater. Love this recipe!
Haha, love it!!
My family LOVES “beef taco helper” that I usually re-vamp and bake in the oven. I tried your recipe instead, added corn niblets, onion, doubled the cheese.. baked and topped with sour cream and chives… SOOO good! I recommend anyone add corn and sour cream, for my family it made it perfect 🙂
Sounds like a yummy addition!
This recipe is so quick and easy and full of flavor!!!! Literally takes no time. This recipe feeds plenty!!!! I wish I could give it more stars!
Thank you so much Lindsey!
Wonderfully fast and easy to get on the table in no time, and tasty on top of it. Thanks for sharing!!
You’re welcome!
Could I substitute the noodles for rigatoni or large elbows? Publix did not have the large noodles from the picture. ?
Also Newman’s Own salsa, mild ok?
Yes, feel free to customize it as you’d like. 🙂
This was very good. My kids actually wanted more! Thank you.
You’re welcome!
Hi Sabrina!
I’m planning on making this, but would like to use regular shells instead of the large ones, but the box we usually get is 1 lb. Can I use the entire box of regular shells for this recipe? Or would I have to double everything in the recipe since the box is 1 lb? Thanks!
If you use the entire box, your dish will be pasta heavy. I would recommend using half the box or doubling the other ingredients.
This recipe is amazing! I make a similar recipe but use jarred marinara sauce instead of salsa. (My son doesn’t like alot of spice). Also add extra cheese to melt on top. I usually make this recipe a couple of times a month, such a quick and easy recipe!!
Thanks, Jan!
Quick, easy and delicious! I used spicy taco mix and it was very good. Will definitely make again.
I’ve been looking for recipes my super picky toddler will eat. I made this for lunch today. I subbed turkey for beef, as we don’t eat it and chopped a handful each of carrots and kale. I added them to the meat in the beginning to cook and absorb the flavor of the taco seasoning. She loved it (so did I)! Definitely a keeper. Thanks!
Excellent, quick and easy.
This is delicious and so easy! I’ve given this recipe to several friends and they all enjoy it.
Yall. This is SO GOOD! Im making it again by request (for the third time) from my picky picky 4yr old!
Love it!!
Can you use taco sauce instead of salsa because I have picky eaters who do not like big hunks of tomato ? they do not like hunks of green pepper or they do not like salsa
Sure 🙂
Do you think I could substitute milk for the water (I’m a dairy lover)? In the alternative maybe I could substitute sour cream for the water and warm up the sour cream in a a small sauce pan then add the taco seasoning and stir until well combined and then dump that mixture into the beef mixture.
I don’t see why not. If you decide to try, I’d love to know how it turned out.
Sooo good! Made it for dinner tonight and my hubby said it’s a keeper for sure!
This is a great way to use up leftover taco meat if you made way too much (like I always do ?)! Thanks for the great recipe!
Perfect! Glad you enjoyed it!
Can you use anytype of salsa
Yes, any type you prefer. 🙂
We made this recipe last night and it was fantastic. I grew up eating the Taco Hamburger Helper and this is so much more delicious. We did add in a small can of green chilis for a little more body and I finished the bowl with a little sour cream. My wife is a very picky eater and she loved it.
Love the addition of green chilis! Yum!!
I just made this, strict to the recipe. It tastes amazing. I used a medium salsa and it has some heat, but not too much. Easy to make and delicious. I will definitely make this a regular on the menu!
Delicious! I also added black beans and cilantro. Thank you for a great recipe!
Large shells? I think not….. ?
You need the jumbo shells for this. 🙂
My whole family loves this recipe that I make every Tuesday.
Yay!! I’m so glad you guys enjoy it! Thanks for coming back to let me know!
Made this Friday night after work. It is sooooo delicious!!! Made it with ground pork and my husband ate four bowls. Making it again tonight…and it’s only Monday!! Thanks for the recipe!
Sounds like winner to me!! Thanks for taking the time to come back and let me know how much you all enjoyed it!
I have made it with beef as well as ground turkey. Both were excellent!
Honestly this is one of the greatest recipes I have found on Facebook! It was absolutely amazing and will be making this again. If I could give it 10/10 stars I would!!!
How sweet of you to say!! Thank you so much!
If i top this recipe with the crushed tortillas and grated cheese and pop back in the oven will this be ok ?
I don’t see why not! Sounds delicious!!
This was a big hit at home tonight. Followed the recipe exactly how you posted it and it did not disappoint. Thank you!!
Yay!! So glad you all enjoyed it!
So delicious!! I read how some added a can of drained black beans and a can of drained corn, so I added both of those, but kept everything else the same – it really made the meal stretch even farther – and best of all, even my picky kids loved it! Definitely a recipe I will make over and over again.
Yay! I’m so glad everyone loved it! I know how hard it can be to please picky eaters!!
This recipe is in our regular rotation we love it so much. In fact, it’s taco Tuesday but it’s snowing, so we decided to make it taco pasta Tuesday instead 🙂 Thanks for another great recipe.
You’re welcome! Stay warm!!
Easy and delicious. I followed the recipe as written and served with salad.
Thanks for dropping by to let me know! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
My husband & I made this, we both like it. One time we made it, my husband wanted to put it on a taco shell. Boy was it good, If you didn’t try that yet, you should. I made it again tonight 2- 16 – 18, a with the taco shells.
That sounds fantastic!
My husband & I made this, we both like it. One time we made it, my husband wanted to put it on a taco shell. Boy was it good, If you didn’t try that yet, you should.
Easy and very good
Made this for my 3 and 6 year olds. Added a half cup of chopped carrots, a chopped small zucchini and a half cup of corn. Kids gobbled it up, even with the sneaky veggies!
Isn’t that the best?!? Love when they eat it up like that! #parentingwin