Taco Pasta is a quick and easy one pot pasta dish is loaded with taco flavor, juicy chunks of beef, tomatoes, beans, and cheese. This is the perfect weeknight family meal!
Easy, cheesy and flavorful. This one pot taco pasta meal is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a go to in my house for busy weeknights, for those days when I only have 30 minutes in between the end of homework and the start of soccer practice.
This dish has a familiar feeling of those pre-packaged pasta meals where you just need to buy a pound of beef and everything else is included in the box. I’m sure you know which ones I’m referring to. Except this taco pasta is made at home from scratch using real ingredients.
We’re even using a homemade taco seasoning, which is included in the recipe below. You can use a premade taco seasoning if you have one on hand and it’s easier.
I love using my own because I can adjust the heat according to who is going to be eating it. Just add or reduce the amount of chili powder to change the heat of the dish. The amount used in the recipe is a very mild, subtle bit.
My children always enjoy this dish and eat it right up. No complaints! If you’re concerned about any amount of heat for kids you can always reduce the amount of chili powder and use plain diced tomatoes instead of the tomatoes with the diced green chiles.
And of course an extra bit of cheese as a topping always makes it better! Plus feel free to top with chopped cilantro, green onion, sour cream, or any other traditional taco toppings you may enjoy! This is such an easy dish to change up and make your own.
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Taco Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1/2 Yellow Onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 10 ounce can Chunky Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 3 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 1 cup Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break up while browning. When about half of the meat is cooked, add the diced onion and continue to cook until ground beef is browned and onion is translucent. Drain any grease and return to heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add in the diced tomatoes, seasonings, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Pour in the macaroni noodles and stir. Bring to a simmer. Cover and allow to simmer stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes until the noodles are softened and cooked through.
- Lower the heat and add in the cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and combined with the pasta.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer, you can use a premade taco seasoning instead of the combination of spices included in the recipe. Start with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and add according to taste preference.