Taco Pasta

4.96 from 23 votes

This cheesy taco pasta takes the flavors of tacos and turns them into an easy and healthy pasta dish. Made with ground beef, veggies, and taco seasoning, and comes together with melted cheese. Full of flavor and absolutely delicious! Ready in 30 minutes and a meal the entire family will love!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword cheesy beef taco pasta recipe, cheesy taco pasta, taco pasta, taco pasta recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 609kcal

Author Kelly Nardo

Equipment

nonstick pan

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup diced onion (120 grams)
1 pound lean ground beef (I used 90/10)
2 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 cups diced bell peppers (240 grams)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (3.5 ounces - use more if desired)
2 tablespoons lime juice
salt and pepper, to taste
toppings of choice - lime juice, sour cream, greek yogurt, avocado, salsa, fresh cilantro, jalapeños…

Instructions

Cook your pasta according to the package until al dente. When done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Brown your meat. When the pasta water is about to boil, start cooking your meat. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add oil and let it get hot, about 30 seconds. Add onions, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Add beef and break it up with the back of a spoon or meat chopper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning and diced peppers and mix to combine until meat is browned, about another 3-5 minutes.
Make the sauce. Add in your tomato paste and fire-roasted tomatoes and mix to combine, making sure to break up the tomato paste. It should be saucy. If needed, add a little water from the pasta to thin it out some.
Drain pasta, saving 1 cup of pasta water (or more if desired).
Assemble. Stir in cooked pasta and 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons of pasta water. It should be pretty saucy, but if needed, add more pasta water. Once combined, stir in cheese until melted. You can also save a little cheese to sprinkle on top. Stir in lime juice.
Enjoy! Top with toppings of choice and enjoy!

Notes

If you want your taco meat saucier, add in more tomato paste, diced tomatoes, or a little beef broth. Make sure to break up the tomato paste, and it is evenly incorporated throughout the taco meat.

Nutrition