The Best Taco Pasta Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors in One Bowl

Have you ever craved a mouthwatering taco pasta that blends Mexican zest with comforting Italian flavors?

Layers of spicy ground beef mingle with tender pasta shells, creating a culinary adventure.

Weeknight dinners demand something exciting and quick to prepare.

Melted cheese cascades over seasoned meat, promising a delightful twist on traditional recipes.

Bold spices dance through each bite, awakening taste buds with vibrant sensations.

Minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps make this dish accessible for anyone seeking a delicious meal.

Why Taco Pasta Stays A Crowd Favorite

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This one-pan taco pasta delivers delicious dinner magic in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving minimal cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combining classic taco spices with creamy pasta creates an irresistible meal that satisfies both Mexican and Italian food lovers, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Kid-Friendly Customization: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or extra cheese, allowing every family member to personalize their plate and enjoy a stress-free mealtime.

Taco Pasta Dish Elements

• Ground Beef: The star of the dish, adds rich flavor and protein punch. Choose lean ground beef for healthier option.

• Taco Seasoning Packet: Provides classic Mexican-inspired spice blend. Look for low-sodium versions if watching salt intake.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture and slight heat to the pasta. Rotel brand works great for extra zesty flavor.
• Beef Broth: Creates a savory liquid base for cooking pasta. Low-sodium versions recommended for better control of salt levels.

• Pasta: Holds the sauce and creates hearty texture. Short shapes like rotini or shells work best for catching sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, creamy element to the dish. Use freshly shredded for best melting quality.

• Sour Cream: Adds cool, tangy finish to the dish. Full-fat version provides richer taste.
• Cilantro, Jalapenos, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that boost flavor and add color. Customize based on spice preference and garnish desire.

Taco Pasta Made Step By Step

Step 1: Brown Seasoned Meat

Grab a big skillet and sizzle the ground beef over medium heat.

Let the meat dance and transform until it’s perfectly golden brown.

Drain away any extra grease to keep your dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth

Stir everything together until the ingredients mingle and create a mouthwatering sauce.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Drop the pasta right into the skillet with the saucy meat mixture.

Cover the pan and let it simmer gently.

The pasta will absorb all those incredible flavors while becoming perfectly tender.

This should take about 12-15 minutes.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Dreamy

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream

Stir until everything melts into a luxurious, creamy texture that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Scoop this delectable taco pasta into bowls.

Feel free to jazz it up with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of extra cheese.

Enjoy your flavor-packed meal!

Taco Pasta – Tips For Balancing Spice And Creaminess

• Select ground beef with lower fat content (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce greasiness and create a healthier dish.
• Watch pasta closely during simmering to prevent overcooking; aim for al dente texture by checking pasta firmness every few minutes.
• Enhance flavor and nutrition by adding fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary preferences or to reduce red meat consumption.
• Modify heat intensity by using mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, or add extra chili powder and red pepper flakes for more kick.

Taco Pasta Leftovers: Storage and Reheating Tips

• Transfer leftover taco pasta to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freeze in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop method.

Taco Pasta Favorite Matches

• Elevate Taco Flavor Burst: Pair this zesty taco pasta with an ice-cold Mexican lager like Modelo Especial, which cuts through the creamy richness and complements the bold spices.
• Refreshing Citrus Companion: Serve with a bright, tangy margarita that balances the hearty beef and cheese, offering a citrusy counterpoint to the robust pasta flavors.
• Cool Down with Salsa: Top the dish with fresh pico de gallo or chopped cilantro to add a vibrant, crisp texture that lifts the creamy, warm pasta and introduces a fresh garden-like element.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel, whose fruity and slightly spicy notes harmonize perfectly with the taco-seasoned beef and creamy cheese sauce.

Taco Pasta Easy Weeknight Variants

• Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a plant-based protein option. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a complete vegetarian meal.
• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase heat. Top with sliced fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Mexican Bowl: Skip pasta entirely and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use a low-carb cheese blend and full-fat sour cream to maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells work perfectly because they catch the sauce and taco seasonings well, creating a more flavorful bite.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works great in this recipe. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain any excess liquid.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild taco flavor from the seasoning. If you want more heat, add some red pepper flakes or choose a spicier taco seasoning blend.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and follow the same cooking instructions.

Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Taco Pasta brings Mexican-inspired flavors dancing across your plate, combining zesty spices with creamy comfort. Cheesy noodles loaded with seasoned ground beef create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for hungry families craving bold southwestern comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (any shape)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 ounces or 411 grams)
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Jalapenos
• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame and thoroughly cook ground beef until it develops a rich, golden-brown color and releases excess fat.
2. Introduce taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and savory beef broth into the skillet, blending ingredients to create a robust flavor foundation.
3. Gently incorporate pasta into the meat mixture, ensuring each strand is coated with the seasoned liquid. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the pasta to simmer and absorb the aromatic broth for approximately 12-15 minutes.
4. Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, fold in shredded cheese and creamy sour cream, stirring continuously until the ingredients meld into a luxurious, velvety sauce that envelops the pasta and beef.
5. Transfer the steaming taco pasta to serving dishes, garnishing with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a sprinkle of additional cheese to enhance visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the dish lighter.
• Customize the spice level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning based on personal preference.
• Consider swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier or vegetarian alternative.
• Enhance the dish’s nutrition by mixing in extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn during the cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg