Taco Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a quick, comforting dinner that combines the best of both worlds—tacos and pasta—then this Taco Pasta recipe is perfect for you! It’s a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, taco spices, and tender pasta, all in a cheesy, creamy sauce. Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite that you'll make again and again.

Read on for step-by-step instructions, tips for variations, and ideas on how to serve this irresistible taco pasta dish.

this Recipe

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What is Taco Pasta?

Taco Pasta is a fusion of two beloved dishes: tacos and pasta. It combines taco-seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce for a flavorful, one-pot meal. Think of it as a cross between taco night and your favorite pasta dinner, with all the flavors of a taco—like cumin, chili powder, and garlic—infused into a comforting pasta dish. The result is a rich, cheesy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for both kids and adults.

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Ingredients List for Taco Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and easy taco pasta:

• 1 pound ground beef (80-85% lean)
• 8 ounces pasta (rotini, penne, or shells work well)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade, see below)
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel is a good choice)
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
• ½ cup tomato sauce (or salsa)
• ½ cup sour cream (or cream cheese, for creaminess)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Chopped green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips

Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional):

If you prefer to make your own taco seasoning, combine:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Substitutions and Variations

This Taco Pasta recipe is versatile, and you can easily adapt it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

• Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also make it vegetarian by swapping the meat for black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Pasta: Any short pasta works well in this dish, including penne, rotini, farfalle, or even macaroni. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use any melty cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend. For extra flavor, try pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• Sour Cream: If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or heavy cream to achieve the creamy texture.
• Heat: For a spicier dish, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños. You can also top it with hot sauce or spicy salsa for extra heat.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set aside. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

4. Add the Seasoning and Tomatoes

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and onion mixture. Stir to coat the meat in the spices, then pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and beef broth. Stir in the tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the liquid to reduce slightly.

5. Stir in the Cheese and Sour Cream

Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream (or cream cheese) until fully combined and creamy. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water or more broth to reach your desired consistency.

6. Combine with the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta in the cheesy taco sauce. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.

7. Serve with Toppings

Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the taco pasta hot, and garnish with your favorite toppings like extra cheese, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy finish.

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

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

Cooking the pasta just until al dente is key because it will continue to absorb some of the sauce once combined with the beef mixture. Make sure to reserve a bit of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 2: Browning the Ground Beef

Browning the beef properly adds a lot of flavor to the dish. Make sure to cook the beef until it’s no longer pink and has developed some nice browned bits. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.

Step 3: Adding the Taco Seasoning and Tomatoes

Once the beef is browned, adding the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with chilies infuses the dish with all the flavors of taco night. The beef broth adds moisture and helps create a sauce that clings to the pasta.

Step 4: Making it Cheesy and Creamy

The combination of sour cream and shredded cheese is what makes this taco pasta so rich and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth to loosen it up.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta until just al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, especially when it’s mixed with the sauce.
2. Not Draining Excess Fat: After browning the beef, drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce. This step is especially important if using fattier ground beef.
3. Skipping the Cheese: The cheese is what makes this taco pasta so creamy and indulgent, so don’t skimp on it. Stirring in the cheese while the sauce is still warm helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
4. Not Adjusting the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick after adding the pasta, don’t hesitate to add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it up and ensure the pasta is fully coated.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Taco Pasta is an easy, comforting meal that can be dressed up with toppings or served as is. Here are some serving ideas:

How to Serve Taco Pasta

• Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their taco pasta bowls. Popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, green onions, and crushed tortilla chips.
• Side Dishes: Serve taco pasta with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or cornbread to balance out the richness of the dish. You can also serve it alongside refried beans or Mexican rice for a fuller meal.
• Family-Style: Serve the taco pasta in a large skillet or casserole dish in the center of the table, and let everyone dig in family-style.

Presentation Ideas for Taco Pasta

• Rustic Skillet: Serve the taco pasta directly in the skillet for a rustic, family-friendly presentation.
• Individual Bowls: For a more personalized presentation, dish up individual servings in bowls and top each one with a variety of colorful toppings like cilantro, jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips.
• Garnish with Color: Brighten up the dish with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for a pop of color and flavor.

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Taco Pasta Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.
• Season to Taste: Be sure to taste the sauce before adding the pasta. Adjust the seasoning with more taco seasoning, salt, or pepper if needed.
• Customize the Heat: If you like your food spicy, feel free to add extra cayenne pepper, chili powder, or jalapeños to the dish. If you prefer it milder, omit the cayenne and use mild diced tomatoes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make Taco Pasta ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Can I freeze Taco Pasta?

Yes, Taco Pasta freezes well. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just follow the recipe as directed, using the beans or meat substitute in place of the beef.

How can I make this dish spicier?

For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning blend or serve with spicy salsa.

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Conclusion

This Taco Pasta recipe is the perfect blend of two beloved dishes—tacos and pasta—in one easy, cheesy, and flavorful meal. With taco-seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, it’s a quick and comforting dinner that the whole family will love. The best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Customize it with your favorite toppings, adjust the spice level to suit your taste, and enjoy this fusion dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!

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