Introduction

This Taco Pasta recipe combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with comforting pasta in a one-pot meal. It’s easy to make, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

1 lb. ButcherBox Ground Beef
1/2 cup onion (chopped finely)
½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
2 cups red bell pepper (diced)
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (low sodium)
3 cups medium shells pasta (10 oz)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
2 cups water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Spray a large pan or pot with olive oil spray and heat over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Step 3: Stir in the dry pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Mix well, then cover the pan and bring to a boil. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Once boiling, remove the cover and reduce heat to medium. Stir every few minutes for 10 to 12 minutes, until the pasta is tender and much of the liquid has evaporated.
Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, reduce the taco seasoning to 1 tablespoon or use a mild blend.
Add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro or diced avocado on top for extra flavor and freshness.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.

Storage

Store leftover taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the pasta has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni will work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed according to the pasta type.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen, but cheese tends to change texture after freezing. For best results, freeze before adding the cheese and stir cheese in when reheating.

Taco Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 144 reviews

This Taco Pasta recipe combines flavorful ground beef, colorful vegetables, and cheesy pasta in one easy stovetop dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a savory blend of taco seasoning and tomato paste that infuses the pasta with bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a hearty and family-friendly meal that everyone will enjoy.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb. ButcherBox Ground Beef
1/2 cup onion, chopped finely
½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
2 cups red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (low sodium)
3 cups medium shell pasta (about 10 oz)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
2 cups water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Spray a large pan or pot with olive oil spray and heat it over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes to ensure it’s properly heated before cooking.
Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell peppers to the pan. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Add Pasta and Seasonings: Stir in the dry pasta, low sodium taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Mix everything well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Bring to Boil: Cover the pan with a lid and allow the mixture to come to a boil over medium-high heat. This should take about 5 minutes.
Simmer the Pasta: After boiling, remove the lid and reduce the heat to medium. Stir the mixture every few minutes and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed and thickened.
Add Cheese and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use low sodium beef broth and taco seasoning to control salt content.
Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
Make sure to stir frequently once the pasta is simmering to prevent sticking or burning.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or diced avocado on top makes a great garnish for extra flavor.

Keywords: taco pasta, ground beef pasta, Mexican pasta recipe, one pot pasta, easy weeknight dinner