Taco Pasta

Craving something comforting with a spicy twist? This Taco Pasta combines the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite tacos with the creamy, cheesy goodness of pasta. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something hearty and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor in just one pot.
Family-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Customizable – Add your favorite taco toppings for extra flair.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Taco Pasta:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (about 2 tbsp) taco seasoning
• 1 tsp chili powder (optional for extra heat)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2½ cups dry pasta shells (or elbow macaroni)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ¼ cup cream cheese (for creaminess)

For Garnish & Toppings:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced green onions
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Crushed tortilla chips

Tools You’ll Need

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Grater for cheese
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Meat & Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Stir in diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until soft.
4. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Seasoning & Liquids
5. Sprinkle in taco seasoning, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat.
6. Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta
7. Stir in the dry pasta shells. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add Beans, Corn, and Cheese
9. Once pasta is cooked, stir in black beans and corn. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
10. Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and everything is creamy and well combined.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve
11. Remove from heat and let sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
12. Serve warm with your choice of toppings: cilantro, diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, and crushed tortilla chips.

Tips for the Best Taco Pasta
Brown the Meat Well – This builds flavor right from the start.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Stir occasionally and check for doneness early.
Make it Creamier – Add a splash of milk or extra cream cheese if you like it richer.
Spice it Up – Toss in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Double It – This dish is easy to scale up for meal prep or a crowd.

Serving Suggestions
Mexican Street Corn – A flavorful and fun side dish.
Simple Green Salad – A light and fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
Guacamole & Chips – Great as an appetizer or side.
Fresh Fruit – Pineapple or watermelon balances the heat beautifully.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or milk and reheat over medium-low heat.
• Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne all work great in this recipe.
2. Is it spicy?
   It has a mild kick, but you can tone it down by skipping the chili powder or adding extra heat with jalapeños.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Skip the meat and add more beans or a plant-based protein.
4. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
   You can use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or leave it out if you prefer.
5. Can I make this in advance?
   Yes, it reheats well and is perfect for meal prep!

Final Thoughts
This Taco Pasta is everything you love about tacos—savory meat, bold spices, and all the cheesy goodness—wrapped into one comforting pasta dish. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Give it a try and let your taste buds do the happy dance! Share your creations online and don’t forget to rate and review the recipe.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American-Mexican Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 21g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 520mg

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