Taco Pasta Recipe

Love tacos and pasta? Why not combine the two! This Taco Pasta recipe brings together all the bold, savory flavors of a taco with the comforting, hearty goodness of pasta. It’s a one-pot meal that’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something fun and satisfying. Featuring ground beef, taco seasoning, and tender pasta in a cheesy, creamy sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Follow along for step-by-step instructions on how to make this irresistible Taco Pasta!

---

What Is Taco Pasta?

Taco Pasta is a Tex-Mex fusion dish that combines the flavors of classic tacos with pasta for a deliciously comforting meal. Ground beef, taco seasoning, and pasta are simmered together with salsa, cheese, and other toppings to create a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s full of taco flavor. It’s a fun twist on taco night and pasta night, all rolled into one!

---

Ingredients List for Taco Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, cheesy Taco Pasta:

For the Taco Pasta:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon paprika)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel, optional for extra heat)
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot based on your preference)
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• ½ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced avocado
• Chopped tomatoes
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Sour cream
• Hot sauce

---

Substitutions and Variations

Taco Pasta is easy to customize! Here are some variations and substitutions to suit your taste:

• Meat options: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute instead of ground beef.
• Pasta options: Swap the pasta with any short pasta shape, like rigatoni, macaroni, or bowtie. You can also use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta.
• Cheese: For a spicier dish, use Pepper Jack cheese. If you prefer a creamier texture, add a little cream cheese along with the shredded cheese.
• Vegetarian version: Replace the ground beef with black beans, kidney beans, or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to kick up the heat.

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s make this delicious Taco Pasta! Follow these simple steps to get a quick, flavorful meal on the table.

---

How to Cook Taco Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet or pot, heat over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Add Onion, Garlic, and Seasoning

1. Add the aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
2. Add taco seasoning: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef evenly. Cook for an additional 1 minute to toast the spices and enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Add the Tomatoes, Salsa, and Broth

1. Stir in the tomatoes: Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (or plain diced tomatoes) and 1 cup of salsa to the beef mixture.
2. Add the broth: Pour in 2 cups of beef broth, stirring well to combine everything.

Step 4: Add the Pasta and Cook

1. Add the pasta: Stir in 2 cups of uncooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, you can add a little more broth or water.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Sour Cream

1. Add the cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
2. Add sour cream: Stir in ½ cup sour cream for a rich, creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish and serve: Spoon the taco pasta into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips. Serve hot and enjoy!

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta. Start checking it around the 10-minute mark to ensure it’s tender but still firm (al dente).
2. Not enough liquid: If the pasta absorbs too much liquid while cooking, the dish can become dry. Add more broth or water as needed to maintain the creamy sauce.
3. Skipping the cheese and sour cream: These two ingredients add creaminess and richness to the dish, so don’t skip them!

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

Taco Pasta is a fun, casual dish that’s perfect for serving family-style or at parties. Here’s how to make it look and taste even better:

How to Serve Taco Pasta

• In bowls: Serve the taco pasta in individual bowls with plenty of toppings on the side so everyone can customize their dish.
• Family-style: Serve the pasta directly from the pot, allowing guests to help themselves. Offer bowls of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on the side.
• As a side dish: Taco pasta can also be served as a side for grilled meats, fajitas, or tacos for a Tex-Mex feast.

Presentation Ideas for Taco Pasta

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions adds color and freshness to the dish.
• Top with tortilla chips: Crushed tortilla chips or strips add a crunchy texture and visual appeal.
• Serve with lime wedges: Lime wedges on the side give the dish a bright, zesty pop that complements the rich flavors.

---

Taco Pasta Recipe Tips

• Make it creamy: For an extra creamy texture, add a few ounces of cream cheese along with the shredded cheese and sour cream.
• Customize your spice level: Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot salsa, and add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños if you like it spicy.
• Double the batch: This dish is great for meal prep! Double the recipe and freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Taco Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, Taco Pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I freeze Taco Pasta?

Yes! Taco Pasta freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I make Taco Pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for black beans, kidney beans, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also bulk it up with extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.

What kind of pasta works best for Taco Pasta?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli work best for this dish because they hold onto the sauce and mix well with the beef and toppings.

---

Conclusion

This Taco Pasta recipe is the perfect combination of taco flavors and comforting pasta. With ground beef, taco seasoning, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings, it’s an easy, delicious meal that will be on the table in just 30 minutes. Whether you're serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or as a fun dish for taco night, this recipe is sure to please everyone around the table.

Print