Cheesy Taco Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that is easy to make, ready in 20 minutes, and done in one pot! Similar to Hamburger Helper but so much more tasty and healthy with ground turkey. Don’t miss this incredibly simple and delicious recipe!
Also referred to as Homemade Hamburger Helper, this Cheesy Taco Pasta has all the same flavors but is so much better! The preparation couldn’t be easier and clean up is a breeze since it’s all done in one pot.
But don’t think this is a kids meal either. I have made version of this dish for many parties and gatherings and the adults love it just as much as the kids do.
One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Using a large skillet or dutch oven over medium high heat, brown the ground turkey, onions, and garlic. Add in the seasonings and tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Pour in the water and milk and bring the mixture to a low boil. Add in the macaroni and cook until al dente. Turn off the heat, fold in the cheeses, and you’re done! Let the Cheesy Taco Pasta sit for a couple of minutes to thicken and your main course is served.
Devour with my Roasted Brussels Sprouts and you’ll have a complete meal in no time.
Easy One Pot Dinners
This recipe lets you have dinner on the table in 20 minutes. And you can feel good about serving your family something healthy and satisfying. If you are a fan of one pot dinners, be sure to check out some of my favorites below: Chicken Fajita Pasta – delicious and made with healthy whole grain penne pasta.
One Pot Shrimp Orzo – a great weeknight dinner that’s also tasty enough to entertain with.
One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta – so creamy and delicious, this is a crowd pleasing one pot dish.
Chicken and Broccoli Tortellini – cheesy goodness that’s super easy to make in one pot.
Italian Sausage and Lentils – healthy and hearty one pot meal.
Cheesy Taco Pasta with Ground Turkey
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup taco seasoning mix (one packet)
- 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups dried macaroni
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- Cook ground turkey in a large skillet or pot over medium high heat until it starts to brown. Add in the onion and garlic and continue cooked through and onions have softened. Add in the taco seasoning mix and diced tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour the water and milk into the skillet. Bring to a low boil and add in the dried macaroni and cook, uncovered, until al dente (about 6-8 minutes). Turn off heat and stir in the cheddar cheese and cream cheese until combined. Allow mixture to sit for a minute or two to thicken before serving.
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Notes
Nutrition
For another delicious and easy ground turkey recipe, don’t miss my Green Enchilada Casserole!
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kira
super yummy! we used the little alphabet pasta so it was very creamy and felt like eating small smushy rice with it
Angela Allison
So happy you enjoyed it!
Sara Welch
Made this for dinner and it does not disappoint! Literally, my two favorite foods mixed together; so delicious!
Julie Menghini
I’ve been using more ground turkey which makes this a perfect recipe for me. Love the cheesy Mexican goodness.
Irina
Did you say ‘Cheesy’ and ‘Pasta’? These two words are the favorite ones in our home! Your recipe sounds amazingly delicious! My guys are going to love it!
Chris Collins
Two of my favourite things in the world – tacos and pasta! Seriously can’t wait to try this 🙂
Beth Sachs
This taco pasta is so comforting and filling! My kids love it!