Name: Taco Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work best); 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade; 1/2 cup water; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned); 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

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If you’re after the ultimate comfort meal that combines zesty Mexican flavors with a creamy, cheesy pasta twist, look no further than this Taco Pasta Recipe. It wraps everything you love about tacos—savory ground meat, vibrant veggies, gooey cheese—into one irresistible skillet dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s endlessly family-friendly, deeply satisfying, and sure to become a major weeknight hero in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Taco Pasta Recipe is built on simple, wallet-friendly ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering big flavors and a spectacularly creamy texture. Think of this as your roadmap to a craveable, crowd-pleasing meal—no fancy steps or fussy extras required.

Pasta (12 ounces penne or rotini): These shapes hold the sauce perfectly, giving you a cheesy, saucy bite every time.
Ground beef or turkey (1 pound): Adds hearty, classic taco flavor; turkey is a lighter swap if desired.
Onion (1 small, diced): Builds a savory foundation that deepens the flavor of the meat.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives aromatic punch—don’t skimp on the fresh stuff!
Taco seasoning (1 packet or 2 tablespoons homemade): The backbone of that bold, zesty taco flavor—you can control the spice with homemade.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps the seasoning meld with the meat and creates a luscious base for the sauce.
Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained): Juicy and tangy, they bring color and brightness.
Corn (1/2 cup, frozen or canned): Pops of sweetness and color for yumminess in every bite.
Black beans (1/2 cup, rinsed and drained): Creaminess and extra protein—total taco essentials!
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce creamy and tangy, tying every ingredient together.
Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts down for that glorious, cheese-pull moment.
Monterey Jack cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Adds a mellow, creamy texture to balance sharp cheddar.
Salt and pepper: Essential for brightening up all the flavors at the end—taste as you go.
Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions (optional): Fresh and herby, they make every bowl pop.

How to Make Taco Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Penne or rotini both soak up sauce like little flavor sponges, so they’re ideal for this dish. Once the noodles are just right, drain them and set aside—they’ll finish their magic in the skillet soon.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Onions

Grab your largest skillet and place it over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until it’s beautifully browned and the onions have gone tender (about 6 to 8 minutes). Drain off any excess grease for a lighter, smoother sauce base.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Taco Seasoning, and Water

Stir in the minced garlic and let it become fragrant for about a minute—just enough time to let it work its magic without burning. Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Give everything a good mix and let it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture is thickened and saucy.

Step 4: Pile in Tomatoes, Corn, and Black Beans

It’s time to up the color and nutrition! Stir in your undrained diced tomatoes, sweet corn, and hearty black beans. Let them simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors mingle and the sauce gets even more delicious.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat and spoon in the sour cream. Stir gently until it melts smoothly into the sauce, transforming everything into a dreamy, velvety texture that clings to the pasta later on.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked pasta straight to the skillet, tossing everything to thoroughly coat each noodle in that glorious, creamy taco sauce. Now sprinkle over the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until they’re totally melted and the whole skillet looks like pure comfort food perfection.

Step 7: Taste and Serve

Take a quick taste—does it need a pinch more salt, a touch of pepper, or maybe some extra cheese? Adjust as needed. Then scoop the Taco Pasta Recipe hot into bowls and finish with your optional garnishes for a final burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Taco Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishes are the secret to taking your Taco Pasta Recipe from tasty to totally irresistible. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or sliced green onions for a lively pop of green. If you love heat, shake on some diced jalapeños or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce. A wedge of lime on the side never hurts either—it brightens up every bite.

Side Dishes

This creamy, hearty pasta can easily hold its own as a one-bowl meal, but if you want to round things out, go for crisp tortilla chips and salsa, a simple mixed greens salad, or oven-roasted veggies. Even a quick fruit salad on the side makes for a fun, easygoing dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile your Taco Pasta Recipe into a big baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden—instant pasta bake! Or spoon it into individual bowls and set out taco toppings buffet-style, letting everyone customize with sour cream, avocado, or crunchy tortilla strips for a playful pasta night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cooled leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually meld and get even deeper overnight—making this Taco Pasta Recipe a perfect option for lunches and make-ahead dinners alike.

Freezing

You can freeze portions for up to 3 months! Cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the sauce may be a little less creamy upon thawing, but a splash of milk or extra cheese stirs it right back to life.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a tablespoon or two of water, milk, or broth to restore creaminess. Stir halfway through to make sure everything heats evenly. Top with fresh cheese or garnishes just before serving to wake up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this Taco Pasta Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef or turkey with plant-based meat crumbles, or even just add extra beans and corn. The big flavors and creamy sauce will shine just as much without meat.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Taco Pasta Recipe is pretty mild as written, letting everyone in the family enjoy it. If you love a kick, stir in chopped jalapeños, a squirt of hot sauce, or use a hot taco seasoning packet.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Totally! Feel free to switch in Pepper Jack for extra heat, or swap Monterey Jack for mozzarella for more meltiness. Any melty, flavorful cheese will work in this forgiving, flexible dinner.

Will gluten-free pasta work?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free penne or rotini. Make sure to cook it just until al dente, as some gluten-free varieties can get soft quickly after mixing with sauce.

Can I prep Taco Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! Cook the pasta and meat mixture up to a day in advance, store them separately, and combine with cheese and sour cream at dinnertime for optimal texture and freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Taco Pasta Recipe quickly wins hearts with its lively flavors and weeknight simplicity. I can’t recommend it enough for busy evenings, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something bold, creamy, and comforting. Dive in and let this dish become a staple in your own kitchen—happy cooking!

Taco Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Taco Pasta recipe combines the flavors of tacos with creamy, cheesy pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work best)

Taco Meat Mixture:

1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade
1/2 cup water

Additional Ingredients:

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the taco meat mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in taco seasoning and water; simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine with additional ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Stir to combine and let simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream until smooth.
Finish the dish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until everything is evenly coated. Stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or green onions if desired.