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Taco Pasta Recipe

Taco Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Mexican-inspired taco pasta delivers a flavor-packed culinary adventure that blends comfort and zest. Hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and bold seasonings create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

Pasta and Toppings:

  • 12 ounces pasta (rotini or penne)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking meat into small crumbles until no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and coat all ingredients.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, mixing well to combine all flavors.
  5. Add water and uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, stirring to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta reaches al dente texture.
  7. Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese and sour cream, stirring until cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Let stand for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
  10. Serve hot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting taco seasoning intensity or adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
  • Use whole wheat pasta to boost nutritional value and create a more fiber-rich meal that feels equally satisfying.
  • Pre-shredded cheese tends to melt less smoothly, so grate fresh cheese directly from a block for superior creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg