Description
Craving something cheesy, hearty, and full of Tex-Mex flavor? This Taco Pasta is just the dish you need. It brings together the best of two comfort food classics—tacos and pasta—for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and ready in just about 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s kid-friendly, satisfying, and super easy to make in one pot!
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Ingredients
For the Pasta:
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12 oz rotini or penne pasta
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
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2 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
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1 cup frozen corn
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1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
For the Creamy Taco Sauce:
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½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
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Chopped fresh cilantro
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Diced tomatoes
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Sliced green onions
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Jalapeño slices
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Crushed tortilla chips
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Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning.
Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, chicken broth, corn, and black beans.
Stir everything well, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta back into the pot.
Mix well until all the pasta is coated in the taco sauce.
Step 6: Make It Creamy & Cheesy
Reduce heat to low.
Stir in sour cream and shredded cheeses until fully melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve with Toppings
Dish into bowls and top with your favorite taco toppings like cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips.
Serve with a lime wedge for a bright finish.
Notes
Cook Pasta Al Dente – It will continue to absorb the sauce once mixed.
Shred Your Own Cheese – It melts better and tastes fresher.
Add Heat – A dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder adds great depth.
Mix Up the Veggies – Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a nutrition boost.
Make It a Bake – Pour into a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a bubbly finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American-Mexican