Taco Pasta Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Soul Food Recipe
Looking for a tasty taco pasta recipe packed full of flavor? The recipe you need is below! Check it out!
What happens when the zesty flavors of tacos meet the creamy comfort of pasta?
You get this irresistible Cheesy Taco Pasta—a quick, one-pot recipe that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
This dish was born out of a need to use up leftover taco ingredients, but it quickly became a family staple.
Packed with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and just the right kick of spice, it’s everything you love about taco night, wrapped up in a hearty pasta dish.
Let’s turn your taco cravings into a creamy, cheesy dinner!
Why This Taco Pasta Recipe Is a Must-Try
This Cheesy Taco Pasta combines the best of two worlds: the bold flavors of tacos and the comforting creaminess of pasta.
Here’s why it deserves a spot on your dinner menu:
- Minimal Cleanup: With just one pot required, you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Ready in No Time: On the table in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding picky kids or taco enthusiasts, this dish is sure to be a hit.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, adjust the spice level, or toss in extra veggies to make it your own.
If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dinner that feels like a celebration, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Key Ingredients for Flavorful Taco Pasta
The secret to this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful components. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef: A hearty base for the dish. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Pasta: Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal for catching the creamy sauce.
- Taco Seasoning: A pre-made packet works great, or mix your own for a customized spice blend.
- Tomato Sauce or Salsa: Adds a tangy, saucy element that ties the taco and pasta flavors together.
- Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates the ultimate gooey, cheesy texture.
- Milk or Cream: Brings the sauce together with a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Onion and Garlic: Adds depth and richness to the beef mixture.
Optional add-ins include diced tomatoes, black beans, or corn for added texture.
Top it off with sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro for a final flourish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
This one-pot recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Here’s how to make it:
- Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant. - Add Taco Seasoning
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir well to coat. Add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan, ensuring all the flavors are incorporated. - Cook the Pasta
Pour in uncooked pasta, tomato sauce, and enough broth or water to cover the pasta (about 2–3 cups). Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. - Make It Cheesy
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in shredded cheese and a splash of milk or cream, mixing until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Add more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. - Serve and Garnish
Spoon the pasta into bowls and garnish with your favorite taco toppings, like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!
Storing and Reheating
Cheesy Taco Pasta makes fantastic leftovers.
Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Tip: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
This dish tastes just as amazing the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
Customizing Your Cheesy Taco Pasta
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so you can adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some creative ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for black beans, crumbled tofu, or even lentils for a meat-free twist.
- Add Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach, or corn for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice Things Up: Use spicy taco seasoning or add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
- Cheesy Upgrades: Try pepper jack for added spice or queso fresco for a Mexican-inspired flair.
Top it off with crushed tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of salsa to make it truly your own.
Cheesy Style Taco Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute to coat the beef.
- Add uncooked pasta, beef broth, and tomato sauce or salsa. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sour cream until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted. Add more sour cream or broth as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Conclusion
Taco Pasta is the ultimate fusion of two comfort food favorites.
With bold taco flavors, a creamy cheese sauce, and a quick one-pot method, it’s a dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
Whether you customize it with extra veggies, spice, or toppings, this recipe will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
So why wait for taco night?
Bring these flavors to your pasta bowl tonight and dig in!
