If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly, this Taco Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite taco night married with tender pasta and a creamy, cheesy sauce all in one skillet. It’s a dish that’s fun for the whole family, perfect for busy weeknights but still impressive enough to share with friends. Every bite brings warmth, spice, and that irresistible combination of textures that will have you coming back for seconds. There’s just something about this taco casserole with pasta shells that feels like a cozy Texas-sized hug on a plate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Taco Pasta Recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a hearty, satisfying meal bursting with flavor. Each component brings its own unique touch— from the savory beef to the creamy sour cream, and of course the vibrant cheddar cheese.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and prevents sticking as you brown the beef.
- 1 pound ground beef: The foundation for a meaty, savory punch that makes the dish feel indulgent.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Provides sweetness and depth, softening nicely as it cooks.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers that classic, aromatic base which everyone loves in taco flavors.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: Brings bold, spicy warmth, infused with a blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the other seasonings.
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained): Introduces a tangy, mild heat plus vibrant color and moisture.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates the perfect cooking liquid that flavors the pasta as it simmers.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells: These little pasta pockets trap the sauce beautifully with every bite.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Stirred in at the end for creamy tanginess that mellows the spices.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts luxuriously into the dish, giving it that irresistible gooey texture.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): A fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens up the plate.
How to Make Taco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon so it cooks evenly. Don’t rush this step because those browned bits are where the flavor really develops. Once browned, drain any excess fat if it seems too greasy to keep the dish balanced. Next, toss in the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic along with the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for just about a minute until those spices bloom and everything smells amazing.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Pasta
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Give everything a good stir. Then add the uncooked pasta shells directly into the skillet—yes, uncooked! This one-pot method lets the pasta absorb all the rich taco-flavored broth as it cooks, eliminating extra pots and dishes. Bring the mixture to a boil to kickstart the pasta cooking process.
Step 3: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. You’ll notice the pasta becoming tender and most of the liquid will be absorbed, resulting in a wonderfully saucy but not soupy texture.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheese for Ultimate Creaminess
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly, creating a creamy, cheesy coating over the taco pasta. This step is what elevates this dish from simple to downright irresistible, adding luscious texture and mellow richness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro over the top. The bright green herb adds freshness and a pop of color, making your Taco Pasta Recipe look as vibrant as it tastes. Serve it warm and watch it disappear quickly!
How to Serve Taco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While chopped cilantro is the classic choice, feel free to add dollops of sour cream, sliced avocado, or jalapeño slices on top for extra creaminess and a touch of heat. A squeeze of fresh lime can also brighten the flavors beautifully. These little touches transform the dish into a festive, customizable experience.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own, but if you’d like to round out the meal, a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables make excellent companions. Cornbread or garlic bread also pair nicely, giving you that comforting, homey feel. And for some extra crunch, tortilla chips with salsa on the side never disappoint.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a casual gathering, serve the taco pasta in colorful bowls with toppings laid out buffet-style so everyone can dress it up their way. Another fun idea is to stuff small bell peppers or tomatoes with the taco pasta for bite-sized party snacks that are both delicious and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Taco Pasta Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect meal prep option or next-day lunch that tastes just as good reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to save it for a future busy day. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that fresh garnishes like cilantro are best added after reheating for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You might want to add a splash of broth or milk if the pasta seems dry to revive that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this Taco Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even chicken works great as a leaner alternative and still pairs beautifully with the taco seasoning and creamy sauce.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
While pasta shells are perfect for catching the sauce, you can swap in elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne based on what you have. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the shape.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild to moderate kick thanks to the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can dial up the heat by adding extra chili powder or fresh jalapeños if you like it spicier.
Can I add vegetables to the Taco Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers add great texture, flavor, and nutrition. Just toss them in along with the tomatoes and broth to cook together.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Skip the sour cream and cheddar cheese or substitute with dairy-free alternatives like coconut-based sour cream and vegan cheese for a delicious dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Pasta Recipe quickly becomes a family favorite for good reason: it’s comfort food with a punch of bold flavor, creamy textures, and simple ingredients that you likely have on hand. The ease of one pot cooking means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal and company. I can’t recommend it enough—grab your skillet, gather these ingredients, and treat yourself to this cozy, cheesy taco-inspired feast tonight!
Print
Taco Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Taco Pasta Recipe is a flavorful one-pot dish combining the zest of taco seasoning with tender pasta shells, ground beef, and a creamy cheese finish. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it brings a Mexican-American twist to a comforting pasta meal, garnished with fresh cilantro for added brightness.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Pasta & Cheese
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute to blend the flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Cook Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta shells. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy, creating a rich sauce coating the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and serve the taco pasta warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make it leaner.
- Use your favorite pasta shape if you don’t have shells on hand.
- Add black beans or corn to include extra texture and nutrition.
