If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both crowd-pleasing and comfort-filled, let me introduce you to Taco Pasta. This vibrant, one-pot wonder combines all the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite tacos with the creamy, cheesy joy of pasta. Every bite is bursting with hearty beef, tangy tomatoes, velvety cheese, and enough southwest spices to keep things exciting. It’s fast, filling, practically effortless, and just as perfect for family dinners as it is for laid-back gatherings with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Taco Pasta shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients—each one brings unique qualities that build the dish’s signature flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why you don’t want to skip a single component!

Olive oil: Adds rich flavor while helping sauté the onions and beef to savory perfection.
Chopped yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth, forming the base flavor for the taco mixture.
93% lean ground beef: The star protein—keeps things hearty without being greasy!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning everything just right. Don’t forget to taste as you cook!
Minced garlic: Adds bold aromatics and a punch of warmth to the dish.
Chili powder, cumin, and paprika: The classic taco spice trio that gives Taco Pasta its unmistakable flavor profile.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Helps cook the pasta right in the sauce, making everything exceptionally flavorful.
Whole milk: Lends creaminess, tying together the spices and making the sauce silky smooth.
Fire roasted tomatoes: These provide smoky acidity and keep each bite juicy and vibrant.
Mild green chilies: For a gentle kick of heat and that irresistible Tex-Mex flair—don’t skip them!
Fusilli pasta: Those spirals soak up all the sauce, capturing flavor in every nook and cranny.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the hot pasta, making everything deliciously gooey and tangy.
Fresh cilantro or parsley: For a fresh, herby finish that livens up the finished dish.

How to Make Taco Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

Start by heating the olive oil in a roomy sauté pan or large pot over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add your chopped onion and let it sizzle away for about four minutes. You’re looking for the onion to turn soft and translucent—this is the aromatic base that will set the tone for the whole dish!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Scoot the sautéed onions over to the side (they’ll keep cooking and adding flavor), then crumble in your ground beef, making sure to break it into small chunks. Sprinkle on a little salt, and let it cook untouched until the bottom is nicely browned—about two to three minutes. This gives the beef a flavorful crust and locks in those delicious juices.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Finish Cooking the Beef

Now, break up the beef more thoroughly and toss everything together with the onions. Add the minced garlic—you should immediately smell that wonderful garlicky aroma! Continue cooking, breaking up the meat as you go, until the beef is completely cooked through (about three to four minutes). If your beef was a bit fattier, go ahead and drain off any excess fat.

Step 4: Stir in the Spices

It’s time for the flavor bomb! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika and give everything a good stir. Let the spices toast for about 30 seconds—this opens up their fragrance and ensures your Taco Pasta is loaded with that classic taco seasoning taste.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then add the entire can of fire roasted tomatoes (juice and all) and the can of green chilies. Season with another pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well, then add the fusilli pasta straight into the pan, trying to submerge it as much as you can—this way, it’ll absorb those delicious flavors as it cooks!

Step 6: Simmer and Cook Pasta

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover your pan, and let everything simmer for six minutes. Then take off the lid, give the pasta a stir, and keep simmering for another six to eight minutes—just long enough for the pasta to go tender and the sauce to thicken beautifully. Stir again to check that pasta is cooked to your liking.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a minute, so the liquid can soak into the pasta. Then, scatter the shredded cheddar cheese over the top and gently stir until it’s melted and luscious. If things look a little too thick, splash in an extra bit of chicken broth until it’s perfectly creamy.

Step 8: Garnish

Top your finished Taco Pasta with a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley if you love a fresh herby touch. Now you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Taco Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishing transforms Taco Pasta from great to truly show-stopping! Try an extra handful of shredded cheddar, sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist, chopped fresh tomatoes, or a swirl of sour cream. If you’re a fan of crunch, a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips never goes amiss.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, consider simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or a scoop of guacamole with tortilla chips. Warm garlic bread works surprisingly well, soaking up every last bit of sauce—plus it’s a favorite for pasta night!

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful: serve Taco Pasta right from the skillet for easy family-style dining, or ladle it into colorful bowls for a festive touch. For gatherings, offer a DIY toppings bar so everyone can make their bowl just the way they like—think shredded lettuce, diced avocado, or your favorite hot sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Taco Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days and tastes just as comforting, if not more so, after a night letting all those flavors meld.

Freezing

You can freeze Taco Pasta without worry! Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, just thaw in the fridge overnight, and you’re halfway to dinner.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Taco Pasta on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if it needs a little loosening. Alternatively, pop it in the microwave in one-minute bursts, stirring between each, until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fusilli soaks up all the sauce deliciously, penne, rotini, or even shells work beautifully as stand-ins for Taco Pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on pasta shape.

Is there a vegetarian version of Taco Pasta?

Definitely—swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based crumbles, lentils, or even black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and you’ll have a hearty, meatless version that’s just as satisfying.

How spicy is this recipe?

Taco Pasta is typically mild, thanks to the use of mild green chilies and balancing creaminess from the milk and cheese. If you want more heat, use hot green chilies or add diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions.

Can I make Taco Pasta in advance?

Yes! Cook it up to a day ahead, then reheat gently, thinning with a little broth if needed. Some people even prefer the flavor after a night in the fridge—it really allows the spices to settle in.

What toppings go well with Taco Pasta?

The sky’s the limit! Classic toppings include extra shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, sliced olives, or a dollop of sour cream. Let your taste buds guide you.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something easy, delicious, and downright fun, you can’t go wrong with Taco Pasta. It’s a magical mashup that brings the joy of taco night to a cozy bowl of pasta, and everyone at the table is sure to come back for seconds. Give it a try—you’re about to discover a weeknight staple you’ll want to make again and again!

Taco Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Taco Pasta recipe combines the flavors of classic tacos with the comfort of pasta in one delicious dish. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Saute onions.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with garlic.
Season with spices and cook until fragrant.
Pour in liquids and bring to a simmer. Add pasta.
Simmer until pasta is tender.
Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Thin with more broth if needed.
Garnish with cilantro or parsley.

Notes

You can customize this dish with your favorite taco toppings like avocado, sour cream, or jalapenos.
Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Taco Pasta, Taco Pasta recipe, pasta with taco flavors