Description
This Taco Pasta Recipe combines the comforting flavors of taco seasoning with creamy cheeses and tender pasta for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Perfectly seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and a spicy salsa blend with pasta and melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to create a cheesy, satisfying meal that your whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean meat)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced green onions
- Jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Meat and Onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if using lean meat. Cook ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and onions are softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat mixture and pour in the water. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Salsa and Sour Cream: Mix in the salsa and sour cream, stirring until fully combined and heated through.
- Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the pasta mixture. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes creamy.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot topped with optional chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, green onions, or jalapeños as desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Ground chicken or plant-based crumbles can be used as alternatives to beef or turkey.
- Leftovers keep well and make a great next-day lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
