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    Home » Recipes » Main Dish

    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · Leave a Comment

    Taco Pasta

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    Pin image with text of taco pasta.

    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!

    Square image of taco pasta in a large skillet.
    This taco pasta is a quick and simple dinner that everyone in the family will enjoy!
    Jump to:
    • One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe
    • 🥘 Taco Pasta Ingredients
    • 🔪 How To Make Taco Pasta
    • 💭 Angela's Tips & Recipe Notes
    • 🥡 Storing & Reheating
    • ❓ FAQ
    • 😋 More Easy Dinner Recipes
    • 📋 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🥘 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!

    Tall image showing ingredients needed for taco pasta.
    • 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!*

    * indicates required

    🔪 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!

    Process image 1 showing ground beef in a skillet.
    Process image 2 showing ground beef browned in a skillet.
    Process image 3 showing added liquids, beans, and corn.
    Process image 4 showing added pasta.
    Process image 5 showing covered skillet.
    Process image 6 showing added cheese.
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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!

    Wide image of taco pasta in a large skillet.

    💭 Angela's 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!
    Wide image of taco pasta on a white plate.

    🥡 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<<<<

    ❓ FAQ

    How Long Does It Take To Cook Pasta Al Dente?

    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.

    Can I Use A Different Shape Of Pasta To Make Taco Pasta?

    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!

    Can I Make This Taco Pasta Vegetarian?

    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!

    Tall pasta on a white plate.

    😋 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!

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📋 Recipe

    Wide image of taco pasta in a large skillet.
    Print Recipe Leave A Comment
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    5 from 4 reviews

    Taco Pasta

    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!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 391kcal
    Prep 10 minutes
    Cooking 10 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
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    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)

    Instructions

    • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and then drain off any excess fat.
      1 lb ground beef
      Process image 2 showing ground beef browned in a skillet.
    • 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.
      2 tablespoon taco seasoning, 2 cups beef broth, 1 cup milk, 1 cup salsa, 1 cup corn, 1 cup black beans
      Process image 3 showing added liquids, beans, and corn.
    • 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.
      ½ lb large pasta shells
      Process image 5 showing covered skillet.
    • Once the pasta has reached your desired level of doneness, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
      1 cup cheddar cheese
      Process image 6 showing added cheese.
    • Serve immediately.

    Equipment You May Need

    Skillet
    Wooden Spoon
    Grater Set

    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. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 391kcal (20%) | Carbohydrates: 35g (12%) | Protein: 23g (46%) | Fat: 18g (28%) | Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 58mg (19%) | Sodium: 430mg (19%) | Potassium: 475mg (14%) | Fiber: 4g (17%) | Sugar: 5g (6%) | Vitamin A: 457IU (9%) | Vitamin C: 2mg (2%) | Calcium: 169mg (17%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    best taco pasta, how to make taco pasta, one pan, one pan dinner, one skillet dinner, taco pasta, taco pasta ingredients, taco pasta recipe
    Course Dinner Recipes, Entrees, Main Dish, Skillet Dinners
    Cuisine American
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/
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    Hi there, I'm Angela! I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, recipe creator, animal lover, and total foodie. I love sharing recipes that are new, fun, and creative as well as great classic recipes just like my Grandma used to make!

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