This Taco Pasta is a cheesy, spicy, and comforting dish that combines the best of tacos and pasta in one easy meal! Made with ground beef, taco seasoning, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, this one-pot wonder is perfect for busy weeknights and ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal – Fewer dishes, maximum flavor!
- Quick & easy – Ready in 30 minutes.
- Cheesy & creamy – A rich, taco-spiced cheese sauce coats every bite.
- Kid-friendly & family-approved – Who doesn’t love tacos and pasta?
- Customizable – Add beans, veggies, or extra spice!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Taco Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (shells, rotini, or penne)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (2 tbsp) taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 ½ cups beef broth (or water)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Extra cheese
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Add Aromatics & Seasoning
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning and mix well.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
- Add salsa, diced tomatoes, and beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine & Melt the Cheese
- Stir in cooked pasta, then mix in sour cream and shredded cheese.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until creamy and well-coated.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, or tortilla chips.
- Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy taco pasta!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Taco Pasta – Add extra cayenne or hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Version – Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap beef for black beans or lentils.
- Creamy Avocado Pasta – Mix in mashed avocado for extra richness.
- Extra Protein – Add drained black beans or corn.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rotini, penne, or macaroni work great.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and coconut milk instead of sour cream.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Turkey or chicken both work well.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer or add ½ tbsp cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the meat first, then cook everything on LOW for 4 hours.
What can I serve with Taco Pasta?
Pair with a simple salad, cornbread, or tortilla chips.
How do I make this extra cheesy?
Use Mexican blend cheese and top with queso dip!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use 1 ½ cups chopped fresh tomatoes.
What’s the best way to spice it up?
Add jalapeños, cayenne, or hot salsa for heat!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Just use a large skillet or Dutch oven.
Conclusion
This Taco Pasta is a cheesy, flavorful, and easy one-pot meal that combines the best of tacos and pasta! Whether you serve it for dinner, meal prep, or a quick family meal, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, Tex-Mex-inspired dish!
PrintTaco Pasta Recipe
This Taco Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed one-pot dish that combines the bold flavors of tacos with comforting pasta. Made with seasoned ground beef (or turkey), taco spices, cheese, and pasta, this easy 30-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option!)
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or homemade, see below!)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor!)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water (adjust for desired consistency!)
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter twist!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Diced avocado or guacamole
Homemade Taco Seasoning (if not using a packet):
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt & black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne (optional for heat!
)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meat & Seasoning
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (about 5-6 minutes), breaking it apart.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 2 minutes).
- Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well.
Step 3: Simmer & Combine
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in cooked pasta, making sure everything is coated in the sauce.
- Turn off the heat and mix in sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.
Step 4: Finish & Serve
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover for 2 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: A great side for soaking up extra sauce!
- With a Salad: Serve alongside a simple green salad or avocado salad.
- As a Casserole: Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Make it spicier! Add hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or extra cayenne.
- Vegetarian option? Use black beans instead of ground meat.
- Lighter version? Swap in whole wheat pasta and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Extra creamy? Stir in 2 oz cream cheese for a richer sauce.