This taco pasta is a super easy, tasty, and kid-approved dinner that only requires only a few ingredients to prepare! The whole thing is made in just one pot, so just mix it all together and let it cook! It's so fast and simple to make that you'll be adding this dish to your weekly dinner rotation!
One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe
I am all about quick and simple dinner recipes (especially ones that only use one pot!) I have days where I am extra busy and don't have a bunch of time to whip up a fantastic dinner for my family. However, that doesn't mean I can't still make something that tastes amazing!
Why would you bother making Hamburger Helper when this simple taco pasta recipe is so much more flavorful and just as easy to make? It's like a yummy cross between Italian and Mexican food that uses simple ingredients and comes together in a snap!
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🥘 Taco Pasta Ingredients
This taco pasta uses simple ingredients that you may already have. I prefer using large pasta shells, but you can easily use whatever short pasta variety you have on hand!
- Ground Beef - 1 pound of ground beef. I used 80/20, but you can use a leaner variety if you prefer.
- Taco Seasoning - 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Use store-bought, or check out my recipe.
- Beef Broth - 2 cups of beef broth.
- Milk - 1 cup of whole milk.
- Salsa - 1 cup of salsa. You can use the jarred kind from the store or try out your favorite homemade recipe (like my tasty salsa roja).
- Corn (optional) - 1 cup of corn. Use canned, fresh, or thawed from frozen.
- Black Beans (optional) - 1 cup of canned black beans, drained and rinsed.
- Pasta Shells - ½ pound of large pasta shells. You could use medium or small ones, too.
- Cheddar Cheese - 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🔪 How To Make Taco Pasta
One-pot dishes are always a breeze to whip up with no complicated instructions or techniques! You will need a large skillet, a wooden spoon, and a cheese grater!
This recipe is for 8 servings, so get ready to enjoy some amazing leftovers!
- Brown the beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef until browned and then drain off any excess fat.
- Add ingredients. Into the same skillet with the ground beef, add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, 2 cups of beef broth, and 1 cup each of whole milk, salsa, and the optional corn and black beans, if using. Stir well, and then bring to a low boil.
- Add the pasta. Add ½ pound of uncooked pasta into the skillet and submerge it in the liquid. Place the lid on top and cook according to the packaged instructions. *Halfway through cooking, stir well to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Melt the cheese. Once the pasta has reached your desired level of doneness, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve. Serve immediately.
Another great thing about this quick and easy dish is that it has everything you need already cooked right into it, so there's no need for any side dishes! Top it off with a dollop of sour cream (or any of your favorite taco toppings), and you're ready to eat! Enjoy!
💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Recipe Notes
- You can use homemade beef taco seasoning or store-bought taco seasoning. If using storebought, 2 tablespoons are equivalent to one packet.
- Adding beans and/or corn is a simple and yummy addition! However, if your family isn't a fan, you can leave them out!
- Feel free to adjust just how cheesy this dish is! I use 1 cup in the recipe, but you can easily add more to the pot or add more when serving individual bowls!
🥡 Storing & Reheating
Keep any leftover taco pasta in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating Taco Pasta
Reheat small portions in the microwave or larger portions in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.
>>>>See all of my recipes here<<<<
❓ Recipe FAQs
The variety of pasta can affect how long it takes to reach al dente, typically ranging from 7-14 minutes. However, the best way to know for sure is to check the packaging of the pasta you are using! It will say right on the box exactly how long the pasta should be boiled in order to be al dente.
Take a look at my post on how long to cook spaghetti to learn more.
Sure! I love using shells because they hold onto the meat and sauce. However, you can use any kind you like! I recommend opting for a short pasta variety, such as penne or fusilli.
I have a whole post dedicated to types of pasta if you want to read more about them!
Sure! Simply omit the ground beef and add in the black beans (if not already using them). You could also use tofu for a tasty vegetarian-friendly protein!
😋 More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Chicken Sausage With Apples - Chicken sausage is baked with apples, onions, and potatoes!
- Chicken Burrito Bowl - Customize this tasty bowl with any of your favorite burrito mix-ins!
- Oven Baked Potatoes - A classic baked potato recipe that is easy to master!
- Turkey Meatloaf - Delicious meatloaf that is made with turkey instead of beef!
- Homemade Chili - Bold and hearty chili that anyone can make!
- Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff - A super easy-to-make version of a well-loved dish!
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📖 Recipe Card
Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk (whole milk)
- 1 cup salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup corn (canned, fresh, or frozen, optional)
- 1 cup black beans (optional)
- ½ lb large pasta shells
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and then drain off any excess fat.
- Into the same skillet with the ground beef, add the taco seasoning, beef broth, whole milk, salsa, and the optional corn and black beans, if using. Stir well and then bring to a low boil.
- Add the uncooked pasta into the skillet and submerge it in the liquid. Place the lid on top and cook according to the packaged instructions. *Halfway through cooking, stir well to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the pasta has reached your desired level of doneness, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use homemade taco seasoning or store-bought taco seasoning. If using storebought, 2 tablespoons are equivalent to one packet.
- Adding beans and/or corn is a simple and yummy addition! However, if your family isn't a fan, you can leave them out!
- Feel free to adjust just how cheesy this dish is! I use 1 cup in the recipe, but you can easily add more to the pot or add more when serving individual bowls!
- To store: Keep any leftover taco pasta in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
- To reheat: Reheat small portions in the microwave or larger portions in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat.
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