Easy Taco Pasta Dinner

This hearty taco pasta has become my weeknight dinner hero, combining two family favorites into one irresistible dish that's ready in just 30 minutes. The combination of tender pasta shells, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese creates a crowd-pleasing meal that disappears quickly at my dinner table.

I first created this recipe when my children were going through a phase of only wanting either tacos or pasta for dinner. This compromise dish was born out of necessity but quickly became a requested favorite that satisfies everyone's cravings.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: provides hearty protein and pairs perfectly with the taco seasonings
• Onion and garlic: create an aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile
• Red bell pepper: adds sweetness, color and nutrition look for firm peppers with bright vibrant skin
• Taco seasoning: transforms ordinary ingredients into a Mexican inspired feast choose low sodium for better control of salt levels
• Medium shell pasta: perfectly captures the sauce and meat in each bite
• Tomato paste: concentrates rich tomato flavor without adding excess liquid
• Beef broth: adds depth and richness that water alone cannot provide
• Cheddar cheese: creates that gooey melty finish that makes this dish irresistible opt for freshly shredded for best melting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the cooking surface:

Heat a large pan sprayed with olive oil over medium high heat for a full 3 minutes to ensure proper browning capability. This preheating step is crucial for developing flavor through proper caramelization.

Brown the meat and aromatics:

Add ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the hot pan. Cook for 10 minutes, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. This mixture creates the flavorful foundation of your dish, so be patient and let it develop rich color.

Create the pasta cooking liquid:

Add uncooked pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, broth, and water directly to the meat mixture. This one pot approach allows the pasta to absorb all the savory flavors as it cooks. Stir thoroughly to ensure the tomato paste and seasonings are evenly distributed.

Cook the pasta:

Cover and bring to a boil, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Once boiling, uncover and reduce heat to medium. The uncovered cooking allows some liquid to evaporate, concentrating flavors. Stir occasionally for 10 12 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid has been absorbed.

Add the cheese finishing touch:

Remove from heat before adding shredded cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese without overcooking it. Stir until completely incorporated and melted into a creamy sauce that coats every pasta shell.

Save This

The red bell pepper is my secret ingredient in this dish. While many taco pasta recipes omit vegetables altogether, I find the sweet pepper adds beautiful color, nutrition, and a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly. My daughter who normally picks out vegetables actually requests extra peppers in this dish which counts as a parenting win in my book.

Storing Leftovers

This taco pasta makes excellent leftovers that maintain their flavor and texture for days. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making day two taco pasta sometimes even more delicious than the first serving. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as the pasta will continue absorbing liquid in storage.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Vegetarians can substitute black beans or plant based ground for the beef. Try mixing up the cheese options with pepper jack for heat or a Mexican blend for variety. You can even top individual servings with avocado, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor complexity.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this taco pasta as a complete meal or alongside a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. For entertaining, set up a taco pasta bar with various toppings like diced avocado, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, and sour cream. This allows guests to customize their bowls to their preference. A side of warm cornbread makes a delicious accompaniment that furthers the Tex Mex theme.

Common Queries

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, rotini, penne, or farfalle can replace shell pasta for a similar texture and taste.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

→ Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, extra taco seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.

→ Can I substitute other proteins for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles can be used instead of ground beef for variety.

→ What toppings go well with taco pasta?

Try fresh cilantro, diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.