Description
Taco Pasta combines all the delicious flavors of tacos with the comfort of creamy pasta! This quick and easy dish is packed with seasoned ground beef, tangy salsa, and melty cheese, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. Ready in less than 30 minutes, Taco Pasta is a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced green onions
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream or guacamole
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Meat
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess fat. - Add Taco Seasoning
Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 cup salsa, and 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. - Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the taco meat mixture. Stir to combine and coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. - Finish with Cheese and Sour Cream
Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve
Serve the Taco Pasta hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Notes
- You can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or top with spicy salsa.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will absorb some of the sauce and become softer as it sits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g