Taco Pasta

Craving tacos and pasta at the same time? This Taco Pasta recipe gives you the best of both worlds in one cheesy, hearty, flavor-packed skillet. Juicy ground beef, taco seasoning, tender pasta, salsa, and melted cheese come together in under 30 minutes for a meal that’s easy, comforting, and completely satisfying. It’s a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Meal – Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
Quick & Easy – On the table in just 30 minutes.
Bold Taco Flavor – All your favorite taco fixings in pasta form.
Kid-Approved – Creamy, cheesy, and mild enough for all ages.
Customizable – Make it your own with toppings or mix-ins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Taco Pasta:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken or turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
• 2 cups small pasta (like shells, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, your choice)
• 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Jalapeño slices

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or deep sauté pan with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if shredding fresh)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat and Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until softened.

Step 2: Season and Add Liquids

1. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef.
2. Add pasta, diced tomatoes, salsa, and water or broth.
3. Stir well to combine and bring to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

1. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
2. Stir in frozen corn during the last 5 minutes if using.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

1. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheese on top. Cover for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Scoop into bowls and top with green onions, cilantro, or your favorite toppings.
2. Serve hot with tortilla chips or a crisp side salad.

Tips for the Best Taco Pasta
Use Short Pasta – Shells, elbows, or rotini work best to catch all the saucy goodness.
Shred Your Own Cheese – For the best melt and flavor, use freshly shredded cheese.
Adjust Heat – Use mild or hot salsa and add jalapeños to match your spice level.
Don’t Overcook – Stir regularly and check pasta for doneness to avoid mushiness.
Make it Vegetarian – Swap the meat for black beans or a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions
With a Side Salad – Add crunch and freshness with a lime-dressed salad.
Tortilla Chips – Use as edible scoops for a fun twist.
Mexican Street Corn – The perfect creamy, cheesy side dish.
Fruit Salsa – A sweet and spicy side of mango or pineapple salsa complements the dish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different protein?
   Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even cooked lentils work well.
2. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Absolutely—just omit the sour cream and use a plant-based cheese.
3. Can I use taco sauce instead of salsa?
   Yes! Taco sauce adds flavor and works well in this recipe.
4. What if I don’t have a taco seasoning packet?
   Use a homemade mix: 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp onion powder, and salt to taste.
5. Can I make it in the Instant Pot?
   Yes—use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook on high for 4 minutes with a quick release.

Final Thoughts
This Taco Pasta is a crave-worthy mashup that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with zesty taco flavor. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make, fun to eat, and always a hit with the family. Serve it up with your favorite toppings and dig into a comforting bowl of Tex-Mex goodness.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your version turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Tex-Mex-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 440 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 720mg

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