Taco Pasta is an easy one-pot dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, black beans, salsa, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese. Everything cooks together in one pan for a hearty dinner with very little cleanup.
I love this recipe for busy nights when I want something quick and filling. It has all those taco flavors my family loves, but in a cheesy pasta dinner that’s easy to throw together.
Why I Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients ⭐
- Ground Beef: The hearty base of the taco pasta.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: Add flavor and texture.
- Taco Seasoning: One packet gives the beef plenty of taco flavor.
- Black Beans: Drain and rinse before adding.
- Pasta: Use 1 pound of uncooked shells or another short pasta.
- Salsa: Adds tomatoes, peppers, and seasoning to the sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: Makes the pasta extra cheesy and creamy.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Taco Pasta
Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, peppers, and onions. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled.
Season: Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and salsa.
Add the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta and pour the water over the top. Stir and bring to a light boil.
Cook: Cover and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally and add a little more water if needed as the pasta cooks.
Add the Cheese: Remove the cover and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Top with green onions, tomatoes, and sour cream, if desired.
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Use a large pan: Give the pasta plenty of room to cook evenly.
- Stir occasionally: This keeps the pasta from sticking as it cooks.
- Watch the liquid: Add a little more water if the pasta absorbs it before it’s tender.
- Add cheese last: Stir it in after the pasta is cooked for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Questions Readers Ask Most
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Shells work great, but rotini, penne, or another short pasta will also work. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Can I make Taco Pasta less spicy?
Yes. Use a mild taco seasoning and mild salsa to keep it family-friendly.
What toppings can I add?
Try sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, avocado, or extra shredded cheese.
Storage
Store leftover Taco Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.
More Taco Recipes I Love
Taco Pasta
Taco Pasta is an easy one-pot dinner with seasoned ground beef, pasta, black beans, salsa, and melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- ½ cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (1 packet)
- 1 (16-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 pound shell pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups water
- 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and crumbled and the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the taco seasoning.
- Add the black beans and salsa and stir to combine.
- Add the uncooked pasta and pour in 3 cups of water. Stir well.
- Bring to a light boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cover.
- Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. Add a little more water as needed if the pasta absorbs the liquid before it is fully cooked.
- Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Top with green onions, diced tomatoes, and sour cream, if desired.
Notes
For extra taco flavor, top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, avocado, or your favorite taco toppings.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 575Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 13gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 708mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 8gSugar: 3gProtein: 37g
What are the instructions for cooking this in an instant pot?
This is so delicious!! Used chipotle salsa and chopped up mushrooms too and added leftover diced tomatoes. Will definitely make again