Description
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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Ingredients
For the Taco Pasta:
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt)
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2 cups beef broth
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1 cup tomato sauce
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1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
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8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini work best)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup sour cream
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Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
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Chopped green onions
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Fresh cilantro
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Diced tomatoes
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Sliced black olives
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Crushed tortilla chips
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Extra shredded cheese
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American-Mexican