Taco Pasta 🌮🥩🧀🍅 Bold, Cheesy, and Packed With Taco Flavor in a One-Pot Pasta Twist

This is what happens when tacos crash into your pasta night — and it totally works. Ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese come together with pasta in a one-skillet wonder that’s creamy, craveable, and endlessly riffable.

It’s weeknight gold with a south-of-the-border punch.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp cumin or smoked paprika
• Optional: ¼ tsp chili flakes or hot sauce

For the pasta & sauce

• 8 oz short pasta (elbows, shells, or rotini)
• 1½ cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
• ½ cup milk (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup salsa (chunky or smooth — your call)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Optional: ½ cup corn or black beans
• Optional: ¼ cup reserved pasta water

To finish

• More shredded cheese
• Chopped cilantro or scallions
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Optional: crushed tortilla chips or avocado chunks

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the beef
In a large skillet or pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, taco seasoning, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Build the sauce
Stir in salsa, broth, milk, and pasta. Mix well and bring to a low simmer.

Step 3: Cook the pasta
Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened. Add reserved water if it gets too dry.

Step 4: Add the cheese
Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning and spice to taste.

Step 5: Serve hot
Top with more cheese, cilantro, sour cream, or any of your favorite taco toppings.

Flavor Variations

• Use spicy chorizo or chipotle chicken instead of beef
• Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, or hot sauce
• Swap in enchilada sauce or tomato sauce for salsa
• Stir in olives, pinto beans, or sautéed peppers
• Use pepper jack or cotija for cheese variety

Pro Tips

• Simmer gently — don’t let the dairy boil hard
• Salsa adds both flavor and liquid — chunky is best for texture
• Stir often to keep pasta from sticking to the bottom
• Let it sit for 2 minutes off heat for the sauce to thicken perfectly
• Top with crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch

Final Thoughts

Taco Pasta is fast, cheesy, and ridiculously good — a skillet full of comfort that hits all the taco cravings while delivering pasta satisfaction. Perfect for weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone who loves a little spice with their swirl.

Brown it. Simmer it. Taco-fy your noodles. 🌮🥩🧀🍅

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
• 🍽️ Pasta Dinner Recipes – Family-friendly pastas that satisfy any night of the week.

🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.