Taco Pasta

Taco Pasta is filled with tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, salsa, green chilies, and corn, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. This easy recipe makes you wonder how you ever lived without it. 

Living in Texas, tacos are like their own food group in my house. But sometimes, even your favorites need a little remix, right? That’s where this taco pasta recipe comes in; it has the same bold flavor but in the form of a comforting pasta instead. 

Tex-Mex-inspired recipes are a staple on our weekly dinner table. Some of our favorites are these taco crescent rings or this easy taco bowl. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: A bold combination of taco seasoning, salsa, and green chilies brings this dish to life.
• Quick & Easy: On the table in under 30 minutes, making it great for busy evenings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Like our southwest tater tot casserole, this dish is loved by kids and adults alike, so you don’t have to worry about dinner-time complaints.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

• Lean Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and flavor. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. 
• Produce: A yellow onion and a couple of jalapenos will add a delicious flavor punch to this Mexican pasta dish. 
• Seasonings and Spices: You will need to grab taco seasoning, garlic salt, pepper, and Slap Ya Mama seasoning from your spice cabinet. 
• Pantry staples: Head over to your pantry for some salsa, beef broth, Rotel, and a can of green chilies. These are going to bring all that Tex-Mex flavor your family loves.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar cheese will give you the best creamy, melty texture. 
• Milk: Adds a creamy texture to your sauce. I recommend using whole milk.
• Pasta: Any shape short pasta works well for soaking up all the delicious flavors and the ridges give the sauce something to cling to. 

See the recipe card below for full ingredient list with amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.

Variations

• Make it mild: Reduce or eliminate the Slap Ya Mama seasoning and the jalapenos for a mild flavor. 
• Make it spicy: Leave the seeds in the jalapeño, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or sprinkle a few dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick. 
• Add extra ingredients: Stir in bell peppers, black beans, corn, zucchini, or baby spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
• Turn it into a taco pasta casserole: Add the pasta and sauce mixture to a greased casserole dish and top it with extra shredded cheese. Then bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly. 

Try our cheesy taco pasta for a slightly different Tex-Mex pasta dish!

How to Make Taco Pasta

Ready to make this hearty dish? Gather a pot and a large skillet, and you will have this family-friendly meal on the table in no time.

1. Step 1: Cook the meat. Cook the beef, onions, jalapenos, and seasonings until the meat is no longer pink and the onions and jalapenos are tender. Drain.
2. Step 2: Make the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta, then return it to the pan. 
3. Step 3: Add the taco seasoning. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and broth over the beef. Cook until almost all the liquid is absorbed. 
4. Step 4: Add the vegetables. Add the veggies and milk to the meat mixture and stir until well combined. Cook for 15 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour over the pasta. Pour the meat mixture over the pasta and sprinkle in the cheese. Then stir until the cheese is melted, and serve warm. 

🍽️ Garnish with diced avocados, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of this jalapeno salsa.

Expert Tips

• Dice it small: Keep your onions and jalapeños chopped on the smaller side. Bite-sized is key here. 
• Handle the jalapeños with care: Make sure that you wear gloves so that you don’t get jalapeno juice in your eyes.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it just until al dente when boiling it. It will continue to cook when mixed with the beef mixture.

Storage Directions 

• Storing: Store leftover Mexican pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. 
• Reheating: Reheat the taco meat pasta in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or beef broth if the sauce is too thick.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this dish with a side of chips and guacamole or leftover brisket queso for the ultimate Tex-Mex meal. 
• For a refreshing drink, sip on this a freshly squeezed blackberry lemonade. 
• You can’t have a Tex-Mex meal without ending it with a sweet treat like these cream cheese churro pastry bites.

Recipe FAQs

Give This Mexican Pasta Dish a Try

It’s a great twist on an old favorite that’s overflowing with all the delicious flavors we love in our traditional tacos. Play around with the recipe, adding what you want and taking out what you don’t. Almost anything goes with this recipe. Give it a try, and I know you and your family will love it.

More Delicious Taco Recipes

Change up your Taco Tuesday menu with these tasty taco recipes:

Try our Cheeseburger Macaroni and Bow Tie Pasta Lasagna from Great Grub, Delicious Treats that you might love as well.

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