Taco Pasta

Taco pasta is a cozy, flavorful one-pot meal that combines the best of tacos and pasta in a simple, comforting dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it’s easy to make and satisfying. I like to toast the spices first to really bring out their aroma before mixing everything together. This dish warms you up on cold nights while keeping prep and cleanup minimal.

a clean high quality food photograph of taco 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This taco pasta is flavorful, easy to prepare, and ideal for feeding a family or a crowd. The combination of seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melty cheese makes it cozy and satisfying. It’s flexible—you can make it vegetarian, swap ingredients, or add extra veggies. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it freezer-friendly and great for meal prep. Budget-friendly ingredients and a fast cooking process make it perfect for weeknight dinners, while the cheesy, taco-inspired flavor ensures everyone will ask for seconds.

a clean high quality food photograph of taco

Ingredients

Tip: Use lean ground beef for a rich, juicy taco flavor.

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños
taco pasta recipe ingredients on a white

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation –
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Chop onion and garlic. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process –
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in onion and garlic and cook until softened. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and mix well. Pour in diced tomatoes and broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients –
Add cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring until pasta is fully coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Let the mixture heat through for a few minutes so flavors meld.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer –
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the pasta. Cover and let cheese melt for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with optional toppings before serving hot and enjoy a cozy, taco-flavored pasta dinner.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

Taco pasta is a one-pot, hands-on meal perfect for busy schedules. Pasta and beef can be prepped ahead, and the dish reheats well for quick lunches or dinners. Minimal ingredients and simple steps make it ideal for weeknight cooking, while leftovers maintain flavor, keeping meal planning stress-free.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cook beef thoroughly to remove excess grease; draining helps keep the pasta sauce from getting watery.
  • Toast the taco seasoning in the skillet before adding liquids to release more flavor.
  • Use shredded cheese that melts easily for a smooth, gooey finish. Pre-shredded blends may affect texture.
  • Let taco pasta rest 2–3 minutes after cooking so sauce thickens slightly, making serving easier.

Variations

Extra Meaty Version
Add chorizo or cooked sausage to the ground beef for deeper, spiced flavor. Brown together before adding pasta and sauce.

Vegetarian Option
Swap beef for cooked black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Sauté with onions and taco seasoning for a hearty, meat-free pasta.

Ingredient Swap
Try whole wheat pasta, rotini, or penne for a different texture. Use fire-roasted tomatoes or a can of corn for extra flavor.

Flavor Boost
Add smoked paprika, cumin, or a splash of hot sauce to elevate taco flavors. Fresh cilantro or lime juice brightens the finished dish.

Serving Suggestions

  • Family Dinner
    Serve with a side of simple green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete, cozy meal.
  • Potluck-Friendly
    Keep it warm in a casserole dish and allow guests to serve themselves for easy entertaining.
  • Weeknight Comfort
    Pair with roasted vegetables or a small avocado salad for a balanced, quick dinner.
  • Cheesy Upgrade
    Top individual servings with extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream for indulgent, melty goodness.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage
    Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days. Stir well before reheating to redistribute sauce and cheese.
  • Reheating
    Microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of broth to prevent pasta from drying out.
  • Freezing
    Freeze before adding cheese for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly, then sprinkle cheese on top and melt.
  • Make-Ahead Tips
    Cook pasta and beef separately. Combine, add sauce, and store. Add cheese just before baking or reheating for freshness.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Rest Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 32 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 400–450 per serving
Protein: 25–30 grams
Contains calcium from cheese and iron from beef. Values vary depending on ingredient choices and portion size.

FAQs

Yes, assemble and refrigerate, adding cheese just before serving.

Ensure pasta is drained and sauce isn’t too thin. Simmer to thicken before combining.

Yes, it’s a leaner alternative to ground beef.

Sprinkle additional cheddar or mozzarella on top before serving.

Yes, freeze before adding cheese for best texture.

Conclusion

Taco pasta is a cozy, weeknight-friendly meal that blends the flavors of tacos with comforting pasta. Easy to prep, flexible with ingredients, and perfect for leftovers or freezer meals, it’s a dinner the whole family will enjoy. Customize with beans, vegetables, or extra cheese for your ideal version, and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl anytime.

Taco Pasta
Print

Taco Pasta

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Pasta Recipes
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

450

kcal

A cozy, cheesy pasta dish with seasoned beef and taco flavors. Quick, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Directions

  • Cook pasta until al dente and drain. Chop onion and garlic. Heat olive oil in a skillet.
  • Brown beef with onion and garlic. Add taco seasoning, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer 5–7 minutes.
  • Stir in cooked pasta, coating well with sauce. Adjust salt and pepper.
  • Sprinkle cheeses on top. Cover and melt for 3–5 minutes. Garnish and serve hot.

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