Easy Taco Pasta Recipe with Minimal Ingredients

Easy Taco Pasta Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Delight! 🍝🌮🔥

1. Introduction

Are you searching for a meal that’s both incredibly easy and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This easy taco pasta recipe is your answer. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dinner solution, this dish combines the comfort of pasta with the zesty taste of tacos. Using minimal ingredients, you can whip up this simple taco pasta in no time, making it a family favorite. Whether you call it a quick taco pasta dish or a tortilla pasta recipe, the end result is a satisfying, delicious, and fuss-free meal. Craving something cheesy and equally simple? You might also enjoy our Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps. Dive in and discover how to make this delightful dish!

Delicious Easy Taco Pasta served in a bowl, garnished for a tasty meal.

2. What Makes This Taco Pasta So Easy?

This easy taco pasta recipe stands out due to its simplicity. It requires just a handful of ingredients commonly found in your pantry. The beauty of this simple taco pasta lies in its straightforward preparation. There are also many variations of taco pasta, like the one found on Dinner Then Dessert.No complicated steps or fancy techniques are needed. It’s designed for anyone who wants a quick taco pasta dish without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to use up leftover ground beef or to introduce a fun twist to your regular pasta nights, making it the ultimate tortilla pasta recipe for ease and taste. If you’re looking for other quick and easy meals, consider trying our Quick Crock-Pot Chicken Pot Pie Recipe – it’s another fantastic option for busy evenings!

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

4. Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Mixing spoon

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. This is a crucial first step in making your easy taco pasta recipe a success. For another delicious and speedy skillet meal, check out our Quick Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes Skillet Recipe!

Boiling water for cooking elbow macaroni in Easy Taco Pasta Recipe.

Drain the Pasta

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside. Having perfectly cooked pasta is key to a delicious simple taco pasta. If you enjoy pasta dishes, you might want to try our Easy Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for another quick and satisfying dinner option.

Draining cooked pasta for Easy Taco Pasta with visible taco seasoning nearby.

Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease. This step brings the “taco” to your quick taco pasta dish. If you are trying to minimize your ingredients while cooking, why not try this Baked Stuffed Shells Recipe?

Ground beef being browned in a skillet for Easy Taco Pasta Recipe preparation.

Combine and Simmer

Add the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes and green chilies to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly coated. This is where the tortilla pasta recipe truly comes to life! For another easy casserole option, you might like our Effortless Baked Tuscan Chicken Casserole Recipe.

Combining all ingredients in a pot for Easy Taco Pasta on the stovetop.

6. Serving Suggestions

Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese. For extra flair, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. This easy taco pasta recipe can also be customized with your favorite taco toppings like salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños. Another great option is to add a side of our Effortless Rotel Pasta Recipe.

7. Tips and Variations

  • For a spicier kick, use a hot taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
  • To make it a tortilla pasta recipe in the truest sense, crush tortilla chips on top for added crunch.

8. Storage Instructions

Store any leftover simple taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This quick taco pasta dish is just as delicious the next day! If you enjoy preparing meals ahead of time, you may also appreciate our Quick and Simple Beef Lombardi Casserole Recipe, which is perfect for meal prepping.

9. Conclusion

This easy taco pasta recipe is a surefire way to create a satisfying meal with minimal effort. The combination of pasta and taco flavors is a winner, making it a go-to dish for busy families. With its simple steps and versatile nature, this simple taco pasta will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy your quick taco pasta dish, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own perfect tortilla pasta recipe! For another classic and comforting meal that’s quick to prepare, don’t miss our Fast and Easy Classic Patty Melt Recipe. And if you’re looking for more dinner inspiration, be sure to browse our Dinner Recipes category!

Print
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Delicious Easy Taco Pasta served in a bowl, garnished for a tasty meal.

Easy Taco Pasta Recipe with Minimal Ingredients

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This Easy Taco Pasta Recipe combines the deliciousness of tacos with pasta, creating a quick and flavorful meal that requires minimal ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and will quickly become a family favorite.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
  4. Add the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes and green chilies to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and any additional optional toppings like sour cream or cilantro.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, use a hot taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
  • To make it a true tortilla pasta recipe, crush tortilla chips on top for added crunch.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Standard

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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