Taco Pasta Recipe

Looking for a fun and flavorful dinner that combines the best of tacos and pasta? Look no further than this Taco Pasta Recipe! This dish is a fusion of Mexican-inspired taco flavors with the creamy, comforting goodness of pasta. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something cheesy, zesty, and satisfying. Plus, it's quick and easy to make, coming together in just 30 minutes on the stovetop! Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and ideas for customizing your taco pasta to fit your tastes.

this Recipe

What is Taco Pasta?

Taco pasta is exactly what it sounds like: a delicious mashup of tacos and pasta! It features tender pasta combined with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and all the flavors you love in a taco, but served in a creamy pasta dish. The end result is a savory, slightly spicy, cheesy one-pot wonder that will have your family asking for seconds.

Ingredients List for Taco Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make a flavorful batch of taco pasta:

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces of pasta (elbow, rotini, or shells work well)
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 (8-ounce) can of tomato sauce
• 1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chilies (optional for extra flavor)
• 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)

For the Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Base:

• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend cheese)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Green onions, chopped
• Sliced jalapeños (for extra heat)
• Tortilla chips (for a crunchy topping)
• Avocado slices (for creaminess)

Substitutions and Variations

Taco pasta is incredibly versatile and can be easily adjusted to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ways to switch things up:

• Meat substitutions: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even crumbled tofu or a meat substitute like Beyond Beef to make this dish vegetarian or lighter.
• Spice level: If you prefer a spicier taco pasta, add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños. If you like it mild, reduce the taco seasoning or omit the green chilies.
• Add beans: To make this dish heartier, you can add a can of drained black beans or pinto beans.
• Cheese options: Feel free to use your favorite cheese. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work great in this dish.
• Pasta options: Use whatever pasta shape you have on hand. Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie holds the sauce well.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Taco Pasta Recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s walk through how to make this quick and easy meal.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need it to thin out the sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or deep pan, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If using ground turkey or another lean meat, you may need to add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: Draining excess fat after cooking the beef will help prevent a greasy dish.

Step 3: Add the Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle the taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder over the beef mixture, stirring to coat the meat and onions evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to let the spices bloom and become aromatic.

Step 5: Add the Tomatoes, Chilies, and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, diced green chilies (if using), and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Combine with the Pasta

Once the sauce has simmered, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out. Mix well so that the pasta is fully coated in the taco-flavored sauce.

Step 7: Add the Sour Cream and Cheese

Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to make the sauce creamy and tangy. Then, add the shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or taco seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve! Spoon the taco pasta into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños. For a little crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top, or add avocado slices for extra creaminess.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Not draining excess fat: If using ground beef with a higher fat content, drain any excess grease after browning the meat to avoid a greasy final dish.
• Forgetting to season: Taste your sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. The taco seasoning provides a lot of flavor, but you may want to add more spices depending on your taste.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Taco Pasta

Taco pasta is a casual, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Serve it straight from the skillet, piping hot, and let everyone customize their bowls with toppings.

Presentation Ideas for Taco Pasta

• Taco Bar Style: Set up a “taco pasta bar” with bowls of different toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, sour cream, and cheese so everyone can build their perfect bowl.
• Single-serve bowls: Spoon the pasta into individual bowls and top with colorful garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and tortilla chips for a restaurant-style presentation.

Taco Pasta Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Leftover taco meat?: If you have leftover taco meat from a previous meal, use it in this pasta dish for an even faster prep time.
• Add veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrients by adding diced bell peppers, corn, or even spinach to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a meat substitute, or use extra beans and vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini for a meatless version.

2. Can I make taco pasta ahead of time?
Yes, taco pasta stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened.

3. Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Yes! Store-bought taco seasoning works perfectly. If you want to control the flavor, you can also make your own seasoning blend using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

4. What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like elbows, shells, or rotini work best for taco pasta because they hold the sauce well. However, any pasta you have on hand will work.

5. Can I freeze taco pasta?
Yes, taco pasta freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

Conclusion

This Taco Pasta Recipe is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that combines the best of tacos and pasta into one delicious dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe delivers bold flavors in under 30 minutes. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the ultimate fusion of two comfort food classics!

Print