Quick & Zesty Taco Pasta Recipe: A Fiesta In Every Bite

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this mouthwatering taco pasta recipe that combines the best of two beloved classics.

Zesty spices and hearty pasta create a perfect fusion of flavors that dance on your palate.

Ground beef sizzles with aromatic seasonings, coating each pasta shell with rich, bold tastes.

The dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal solution for busy families seeking a delicious meal.

Melted cheese adds a creamy layer of comfort to every bite.

Topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, this recipe transforms a simple dinner into a fiesta of flavor.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this irresistible pasta creation.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this taco pasta recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and you’ll get a delicious, healthier version.

• Do I need to drain the ground meat before adding other ingredients?

Definitely drain excess fat after browning the meat to prevent the dish from becoming greasy. Use a colander or carefully tilt the pan to remove extra fat before adding onions and garlic.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Shorter pasta shapes like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni are ideal because they hold the sauce and seasonings well. These shapes help capture more of the taco-seasoned sauce in each bite.

Taco Pasta: Cheesy Fiesta On A Plate

• Whip Up One-Pot Wonder: Taco pasta eliminates multiple dishes, saving cleanup time and kitchen stress with its streamlined cooking process.
• Customize with Endless Toppings: Personalize this dish with fresh toppings like crispy jalapeños, zesty salsa, creamy avocado, or tangy sour cream to match everyone's taste preferences.
• Kid and Adult-Friendly Fusion: Combining classic taco flavors with comforting pasta creates a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both children and adults, making family dinner exciting and delicious.
• Quick Weeknight Rescue: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking skills, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Taco Pasta Must-Haves (Don’t Skip These)

• Ground Beef: A savory and hearty meat that forms the base of this taco-inspired pasta dish.

• Onion, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables provide a deep, flavorful foundation for the dish.
• Taco Seasoning: A zesty blend of spices that gives the pasta its signature Mexican-inspired flavor.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a tangy flavor to the pasta.
• Beef Broth: Helps cook the pasta and enhances the overall richness of the dish.
• Pasta: The core ingredient that serves as the main carbohydrate base of the recipe.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and add a rich, smooth texture.
• Sour Cream, Salsa, Avocado: Optional fresh toppings that can be added for extra flavor and freshness.

Taco Pasta: The Quick Route To Yum

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, using a spatula to break it into small, crumbly pieces while cooking.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Spice Up the Mixture

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Incorporate pasta into the skillet, stirring to combine.

Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

Continue until pasta reaches a tender consistency.

Step 5: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese

Stir until the cheeses create a creamy, luxurious coating.

Step 6: Dress and Serve

Remove from heat and transfer to serving dishes.

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Sliced avocado

Enjoy your mouthwatering taco pasta creation!

Taco Pasta Upgrades: A Few Simple Wins

• Select ground beef with lower fat content (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce greasiness and create a healthier dish.
• Stir frequently during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even pasta absorption of flavorful liquid.
• Use homemade taco seasoning or premium store-bought blend for more authentic and robust taste profile.
• Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Remove pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent overcooking and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.

Taco Pasta, But Different: Easy Swaps

• Vegetarian Taco Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meatless version packed with protein.
• Spicy Southwest Pasta: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and include a dash of cayenne for extra heat lovers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly and boost nutritional value.
• Low-Carb Swap: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal option.

Taco Pasta’s Party Partners (Serve With These)

• Fresh Fiesta Finale: Top this zesty taco pasta with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Creamy Cool Down: Dollop cold sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to balance the spicy, warm pasta and add a tangy creaminess.
• Crunch Factor: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or crispy corn strips over the dish for a delightful textural contrast that adds extra taco-style excitement.
• Mexican-Inspired Garnish: Serve with a side of fresh pico de gallo or quick guacamole to complement the pasta's rich, cheesy base and enhance the overall taco experience.

Taco Pasta For Tomorrow: Stash It Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until steaming hot.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.

Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delicious Mexican-inspired Taco Pasta blends zesty spices with creamy cheese for an irresistible dinner sensation. Comfort meets excitement in this simple one-pot meal that brings family and friends together around a steaming, flavor-packed dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced

Pasta and Sauce:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta
• 1 (14 ounces/396 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) jar salsa
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (1 ounce/28 grams) packet taco seasoning

Cheese and Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, jalapeños, extra cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature and crumble ground beef, allowing it to brown thoroughly while breaking into small fragments.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, then introduce diced tomatoes and beef broth, elevating heat to create a gentle bubbling simmer.
4. Carefully fold uncooked pasta into the simmering liquid, ensuring complete submersion; cover and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, intermittently stirring to prevent sticking.
5. When pasta reaches perfect tenderness, lower flame and gradually blend shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until smoothly melted and integrated.
6. Transfer skillet contents to serving dishes, garnishing with optional embellishments like tangy sour cream, zesty salsa, or creamy sliced avocado for enhanced flavor complexity.

Notes

• For a leaner version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
• Create a vegetarian twist by replacing meat with black beans or plant-based crumbles for protein-packed alternative.
• Spice lovers can increase heat by adding diced jalapeños or using hot taco seasoning blend during cooking.
• Make this dish gluten-free by selecting gluten-free pasta and verifying taco seasoning ingredients are wheat-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg