Craving tacos but also in the mood for a creamy bowl of pasta? Taco Pasta is the mouthwatering mash-up you didn’t know you needed. It’s a comforting, cheesy, one-pot dish that brings the bold, spicy flavors of tacos into a cozy pasta dinner. This recipe combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef, zesty taco spices, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings like sour cream, olives, or cilantro. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick to make, super family-friendly, and totally customizable.
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick overview of the Taco Pasta Recipe at a glance:
| Course | Dinner / Main Course |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Mexican-American Fusion |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4 |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Calories | 480 per serving |
Equipment Needed
To make Taco Pasta, you don’t need fancy gadgets—just the basics. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Large skillet or sauté pan: A deep pan is great since everything cooks in one pot.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For browning meat and stirring pasta.
- Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate seasoning and ingredient portions.
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Cutting board and knife: For prepping veggies or toppings if using.
- Ladle or serving spoon: To dish out your creamy, cheesy creation.
- Grater (optional): If you’re grating fresh cheese.
One-pot meals are all about ease, and these tools will get the job done efficiently.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to bring this taco-inspired dish to life:
- 8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) penne or elbow pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced olives, chopped cilantro, diced avocado
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make a hearty taco pasta your whole family will love:
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and onion. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and cooked pasta. Stir until everything is combined.
- Add cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with your favorite taco toppings.
Essential Note:
Letting the pasta sit for a few minutes off the heat helps everything thicken up and brings out more flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, stir in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce at the end.
