Taco Pasta is perfect when you can’t decide between taco night and pasta night. It’s a quick, satisfying, and hearty dish that comes together in a single pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. The creamy, cheesy sauce clings to every bite of pasta, and the taco-seasoned meat gives it that familiar Tex-Mex taste everyone loves. It’s also incredibly easy to customize to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Pasta (such as rotini, penne, or shells)
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Taco seasoning
Canned diced tomatoes (with green chiles, if desired)
Tomato sauce or salsa
Beef broth or water
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Cream cheese or sour cream
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Optional toppings: green onions, cilantro, avocado, jalapeños
Directions
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce or salsa, and beef broth.
Add uncooked pasta to the pot and stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in cream cheese or sour cream and shredded cheddar.
Mix until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Serve hot with your favorite taco-inspired toppings.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15–20 minutes Total time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative.
Use black beans or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder for extra heat.
Use different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for variety.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or warm in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta has absorbed too much sauce.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made taco seasoning?
Yes, store-bought taco seasoning works well, or you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Can I make Taco Pasta in advance?
Absolutely. It reheats well and is great for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Is this dish spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on the taco seasoning and salsa you use. Adjust to your taste.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni will work.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans and veggies.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt makes a good substitute and adds creaminess.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken can be used in place of beef.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. The cheese will also help thicken it.
Can I freeze Taco Pasta?
Yes, let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
What toppings go well with Taco Pasta?
Try green onions, diced avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, or an extra sprinkle of cheese.
Conclusion
Taco Pasta is the perfect mash-up of two comfort food favorites, delivering bold taco flavor in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish the whole family will love. With simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and tons of room for customization, it’s bound to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.
Taco Pasta is a creamy, cheesy one-pot fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of tacos with comforting pasta. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, and taco toppings, it’s an easy, family-friendly meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4–6 servings
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Tex-Mex
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chiles, optional)
1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
2 cups beef broth or water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese or sour cream
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: green onions, cilantro, avocado, jalapeños
Instructions
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce or salsa, and beef broth.
Add uncooked pasta and stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Once pasta is cooked, stir in cream cheese or sour cream and shredded cheddar.
Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
Serve hot with your favorite taco-inspired toppings.
Notes
Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for variation.Add black beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.Adjust heat by using mild or spicy taco seasoning or salsa.Try other cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for variety.To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
