Taco Pasta

This irresistible Taco Pasta recipe is quick, easy and bursting with flavor – sure to spice up your weeknight dinner routine! Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy recipe combines rich, savory taco flavors with the comfort of pasta. Customize with your favorite toppings for a meal that’s as fun as it is flavorful!

Love taco recipes? Make sure to try these favorites: Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos, Taco Soup and Taco Tater Tot Casserole!

Taco Pasta Recipe

Easy pasta recipes are my bread and butter when it comes to quick and easy weeknight dinners. This Taco Pasta is a must try if you’re looking for a quick, delicious and family-friendly dinner option. This simple yet delicious recipe has the perfect blend of seasoned beef, salsa, corn and black beans combined with hearty pasta.

What makes this Taco Pasta so special and family-friendly is its versatility. Just like you would with taco night, you can customize this pasta with your favorite toppings! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s hearty, satisfying and absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, so you can have dinner on the table in no time.

What Is Taco Pasta?

This Taco Pasta recipes takes the flavors you would find in a classic taco and combines them with hearty, comforting pasta. Basically the taco shell is replaced by the pasta! This easy recipe is the perfect blend of seasoned beef, salsa, corn and black beans and then the pasta is topped with your favorite taco toppings. Easy, fast, delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This simple pasta recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild enough for kids but can easily be spiced up if you like to add a little heat to your recipes.
• Versatile: You can customize the toppings and even switch up the protein or pasta type to suit your preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

There are just a handful of ingredients in this recipe and the good news is that most of them can be swapped for something else. Let’s take a quick look at just some of the options:

• ground beef – Try using ground turkey or chicken for a different flavor profile. Not a meat eater? Simply add an extra can of beans to the recipe – pinto, black – whatever you like!
• chunky salsa – Can be replaced with regular salsa, homemade salsa or even a couple of cans of Rotel tomatoes.
• corn – Feel free to use about one to two cups of frozen corn instead of the canned corn if you prefer.
• beans – We like black beans in this recipe but any bean will work: pinto, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, etc.

How To Make Taco Pasta

This easy Taco Pasta recipe is such a timesaver and is ready in just 25 minutes. Let’s take a quick look at how to make this pasta and, as always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.

1. Cook the ground beef with the minced garlic and taco seasoning for 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the pasta, salsa, corn and black beans to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
3. Continue cooking for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in cilantro and serve topped with your favorite toppings.

Storage Information

This Taco Pasta stores well and can be made in advance:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe, airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed. Please keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may change when frozen.
• Reheat: To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta seems dry.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the entire dish in advance and store it tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Variations To Try

• Protein Swap: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a different flavor profile. Not a meat eater? Simply add an extra can of beans to the recipe – pinto, black – whatever you like!
• Pick Your Pasta: Experiment with different pasta shapes or use whole wheat or vegetable pasta for a healthier twist. Some of our favorites include penne, macaroni, farfalle, rotini or bow tie pastas.
• Vibrant Veggies: This recipe is perfect for customization so feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like bell peppers, onions or zucchini for added flavor, nutrition and color.
• Spice It Up: Increase the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or topping the pasta with a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy Taco Pasta: Stir in 1 to 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese before adding the cilantro for a deliciously cheesy taco pasta!
• Extra Saucy: Add 8 ounces of tomato sauce to this recipe for an extra sauce pasta dish.

What toppings work well with this Taco Pasta recipe?

We like to use classic taco toppings with this pasta recipe. Here are some ideas:

• shredded cheese
• diced avocado
• pico de gallo
• guacamole
• diced tomatoes
• sour cream
• lime wedges or slices
• olives
• diced onion

Trish’s Tips

• Make sure your pasta is well-drained to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
• Start with the recommended amount of taco seasoning, but feel free to add more if you like a stronger flavor.
• Use lean ground beef to avoid a greasy pasta dish.
• Make sure to rinse the black beans and then drain well before adding to the pasta.
• Check out the ‘Variations To Try’ section above for easy and delicious customization options.
• This recipe works with virtually any pasta so use what you have on hand.

More Pasta Recipes

1. Mac and Cheese
2. Stuffed Shells
3. Lazy Day Lasagna
4. Chicken and Noodles Recipe
5. Cajun Chicken Pasta