A quick and delicious taco pasta loaded with ground beef, tomatoes, green chiles, Tex-Mex spices, and lots of cheddar cheese!
We originally published this post about 2 years ago. Sadly, it hasn't gone over so well. It seems, not many people were interested in a taco pasta salad. So, Kim completely revamped the recipe.
Today, I'm excited to present to you our one-pan taco pasta! It's a cheesy, comforting, Tex-Mex pasta. Looking back, I completely understand why people wouldn't want to try a cold taco pasta salad.
Chilled ground beef and cold cheese doesn't appeal to everyone. That's why Kim rewrote the recipe. The end result is something that, I feel, will get a much better reception. So, shall we get started?
How to make one pan taco pasta with ground beef?
First, place a large skillet over low-medium heat. Add in the ground beef and cook it until it browns.
After that, remove it from the pan, drain the excess grease, and return the beef to the skillet.
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the ground beef.
Afterward, add beef broth, water, tomatoes and green chiles, and corn.
Now, stir the mixture and then bring it to a boil. Once the liquid is boiling, toss in the dry (uncooked) pasta noodles.
Then, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and let mixture cook to for about 15-minutes.
Once the time has passed, check the pasta and see if it's done. If not, let it cook a little longer.
However, if it is done, then stir in half (1-cup) of the cheddar cheese and then sprinkle the rest of the cheese (1-cup) over the top of the pasta.
That's it, your taco pasta is done! Top it with chipotle guacamole, sour cream, or whatever garnishes you desire.
Kim and I hope you enjoy the recipe and wish you all the best 🙂
Recipe Tips:
- For a crispy topping, crumble some tortilla chips or tortilla strips and sprinkle them over the pasta.
- Try using 93/7 ground beef, low-fat sour cream, and low-fat cheese to lighten up this recipe.
- This taco dish can be made gluten-free by substituting a couple of the base ingredients. For example, use gluten-free noodles and seasoning blends.
- Also, don't be afraid to add more liquid if the noodles soak it up too quickly. Personally, I would use beef stock so the flavors aren't diluted.
Other Dinner Recipes to Try:
Recipe Card with Ingredient Amounts and Instructions
Suggested Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, We used 93/7
- 1 ounce taco seasoning, 1 packet
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup water
- 10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chiles, 1 can, undrained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 8 ounces short pasta, uncooked (ziti, penne, rigatoni, etc)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground over low to medium heat. Cook until no longer pink. Drain the excess grease. Then return the beef to the skillet.1 pound ground beef
- Add the taco seasoning, water, broth, tomatoes and green chiles, and corn. Stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta, ensuring that it's fully submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes.1 ounce taco seasoning1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth½ cup water10 ounces diced tomatoes and green chiles1 cup frozen corn8 ounces short pasta
- After 15 minutes, check the pasta for desired consistency. Stir in 1 cup of cheese, and place the remaining cheese on top. Garnish with your favorite toppings.1 pound ground beef2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- Serve hot and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Garnishes: diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, or parsley
Christine says
This sounds DELISH! Love taco salad already, but really loving the idea of making it a pasta salad. So creative and delicious!
Heather says
This is the perfect salad for summer and especially Game Day! So versatile and super easy.. great classic flavors and perfectly simple to make.
Kristina says
I love a good summer pasta salad and this version looks delicious! I can't get enough of tacos, so I know this will be a new favorite.
Tamara Andersen says
It's that time of year when pasta salads sound so good. I love the southwest flavors in this one!
Leslie says
This is a great summer meal. My family is seriously into tacos.I'll love putting this into my Taco Tuesday rotation
Eileen Kelly says
Such a great salad! My oldest daughter so picky, this she loved.
Amy Treasure says
Ok, so these ingredients have just gone on my shopping list. I can't wait to try this recipe!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
Mexican food is my favorite cuisine! I love all the flavors you have going with this taco pasta salad and I can't wait to make your delicious recipe! Hubby's going to be happy when I do, but not as happy as I will be!! 🙂
Analida @ ethnicspoon.com says
Tacos in a bowl! I love this idea and so would my family! Thanks for sharing!
Alisha Rodrigues says
Ground beef + Pasta + Cheese + Taco.S. Wow, you make food sound so so good. Love your recipes