Taco Pasta

If you love tacos and can’t resist a big bowl of cheesy pasta, this Taco Pasta recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinner needs. It’s a one-pot, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that brings together taco-seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melty cheese in a rich, zesty sauce. Family-friendly, easy to make, and ready in under 30 minutes—what’s not to love?

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor.
Taco Tuesday Twist – A creative and comforting spin on taco night.
Hearty & Filling – Loaded with protein, pasta, and cheese for a satisfying meal.
Kid-Approved – Creamy, cheesy, and not too spicy.
Customizable – Adjust toppings and spice level to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Taco Pasta:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini work best)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced black olives
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Extra shredded cheese

Tools You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Add Seasoning & Liquids
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly.
Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add the Pasta
Add uncooked pasta directly into the skillet.
Stir well, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.

Step 4: Add Cheese & Creaminess
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.
Mix until fully melted and combined into a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve & Top
Spoon the taco pasta into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like green onions, cilantro, or extra cheese.
Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Success
Use Short Pasta – Elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne hold sauce well.
Don’t Skip the Sour Cream – It adds a rich creaminess and balances the spice.
Want It Spicy? – Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to turn up the heat.
Make It Creamier – Stir in a few ounces of cream cheese for an even silkier texture.
Use Fresh Cheese – Grating your own cheddar melts better than pre-shredded.

Serving Suggestions
Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness.
Cornbread – Adds a sweet, soft contrast to the savory pasta.
Mexican Street Corn – A flavorful and fun side dish.
Fruit Salad – Light and refreshing for a complete meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Absolutely! Just adjust seasoning slightly as needed since leaner meats absorb more flavor.
2. Is this dish spicy?
   Mild if using standard taco seasoning, but you can add more spice if desired.
3. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
   Yes, but keep in mind gluten-free pasta may cook a bit faster or break down more easily, so stir gently.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Sure! Use plant-based crumbles or beans instead of meat, and swap beef broth for vegetable broth.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes—use a plant-based sour cream and dairy-free cheese to keep it creamy and cheesy.

Final Thoughts
Taco Pasta is your new weeknight go-to—easy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. It brings the festive flavors of tacos into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this one-pot meal is guaranteed to please.

Give it a try, and let us know how you topped your taco pasta—don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos online!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American-Mexican

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 430 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 640mg

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