Craving tacos but want something a little different? This Taco Pasta Recipe combines the bold, zesty flavors of a classic taco with the comforting texture of pasta, making it the perfect weeknight meal for when you’re short on time but still want something hearty and flavorful. With tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and a cheesy topping, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an easy, one-pan dinner that’s ideal for busy nights. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this delicious taco-inspired pasta dish!
What is Taco Pasta?
Taco Pasta is a fusion dish that blends the flavors of a traditional taco—seasoned ground beef, spices, and cheese—with pasta. It’s a one-pan meal that’s quick and easy, made by combining pasta with taco-seasoned beef, tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. The dish is topped with your favorite taco fixings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions, giving you all the taco flavors you love in a comforting pasta dish.
Ingredients List for Taco Pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 8 oz dry pasta (such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- ½ cup sour cream (for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Green onions, chopped
- Cilantro, chopped
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tortilla chips, crushed for extra crunch
Substitutions and Variations
Taco Pasta is a versatile dish, and you can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Ground Meat Options: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles or increase the amount of beans.
- Add Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the dish for extra flavor and texture. You can sauté them with the onions and garlic.
- Pasta Choices: Feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works best for this recipe.
- Cheese Variations: Use a blend of Mexican cheeses like Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat level by adding extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce if you like your taco pasta on the spicier side.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Taco Pasta Recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight meal that comes together in one pot in about 30 minutes.
- Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. - Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. - Add Taco Seasoning:
Stir in the taco seasoning, making sure the beef is evenly coated with the spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to bloom. - Add Tomatoes, Sauce, and Broth:
Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. - Add Pasta and Cook:
Stir in the dry pasta, ensuring that it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. - Make it Creamy:
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheese and sour cream until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. - Taste and Adjust:
Taste the taco pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. If you like it spicier, you can add a dash of hot sauce or extra taco seasoning at this point. - Serve Hot:
Spoon the taco pasta into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like more cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or tortilla chips for some added crunch.
How to Cook Taco Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by cooking the ground beef until fully browned. This step is important to build flavor in the dish. Drain any excess fat to keep the pasta from becoming greasy. - Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasoning
Sautéing the onions and garlic helps to sweeten and deepen the flavors. Stir in the taco seasoning for that signature taco flavor. - Step 3: Simmer the Pasta in Sauce
Cooking the pasta directly in the seasoned tomato broth infuses the noodles with rich, savory flavors. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. - Step 4: Add Cheese and Sour Cream
Stir in shredded cheese and sour cream at the end to create a creamy, cheesy sauce. This transforms the taco-flavored pasta into a rich and comforting dish. - Step 5: Serve and Top
Serve the pasta hot and load it up with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, green onions, cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. You want the pasta to be al dente (firm to the bite) for the best texture.
- Not Stirring the Pasta: Stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Under-seasoning: Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. If your taco pasta needs more flavor, you can always add extra taco seasoning or a pinch of salt.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Garnish with Toppings: Add a dollop of sour cream, sprinkle of shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños on top to give your taco pasta a fresh and vibrant finish.
- Serve with Sides: Pair the taco pasta with a simple side salad or some warm tortillas for a complete meal.
- Taco Pasta Bar: Set up a taco pasta bar and let everyone customize their bowl with different toppings like avocado, olives, shredded lettuce, or tortilla strips.
How to Serve Taco Pasta
- Family-Style: Serve the taco pasta straight from the skillet or pot, and let everyone add their own toppings. This is a fun, casual way to enjoy the dish.
- Individual Portions: Spoon the pasta into bowls and top each serving with extra cheese, sour cream, and your favorite garnishes for a more personalized presentation.
- Serve with Chips: For a fun twist, serve the taco pasta with tortilla chips on the side, or even use the chips to scoop up the pasta like a dip.
Presentation Ideas for Taco Pasta
- Skillet Serve: Serve the taco pasta directly from the skillet and sprinkle extra cheese on top. For added appeal, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to create a bubbly, golden crust.
- Toppings Bar: Create a DIY toppings bar with bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips so everyone can customize their taco pasta.
- Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have a cast-iron skillet, transfer the pasta to it before serving for a rustic, family-style presentation.
Taco Pasta Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the taco pasta ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
- Leftovers: Taco pasta makes great leftovers! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.
- Freezer-Friendly: This dish also freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like. Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best, but you can use spaghetti or fettuccine if that’s what you have on hand.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, beans, or even sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Q: Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
A: Yes! If you prefer homemade taco seasoning, use 2 tablespoons of your favorite blend
in place of the store-bought packet.
Conclusion
This Taco Pasta Recipe is a fun, easy, and delicious fusion of two classic comfort foods—tacos and pasta. With tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this tasty taco-inspired pasta dish that everyone will love!
PrintTaco Pasta Recipe
aco pasta is a delicious fusion of two family favorites—tacos and pasta. This easy one-pot recipe combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce for a flavorful meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. With taco seasoning, salsa, and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty, kid-friendly dinner that’s quick and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Taco seasoning
- Pasta (penne or rotini)
- Beef broth
- Salsa
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Cream cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Cilantro (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until beef is browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, then add pasta, beef broth, and salsa. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through.
- Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with sour cream.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
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