What are the ingredients for taco pasta?

The essential ingredients for a classic taco pasta recipe include pasta shells, ground beef, taco seasoning, cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack), tomato paste, Rotel tomatoes with chilies, broth, garlic, and milk or cream. Many home cooks also add extras like corn, black beans, or bell peppers to make the dish heartier and more flavorful.

Is Mexican pasta a thing?

Yes, Mexican pasta definitely exists—and taco pasta is one of the tastiest examples. It combines the flavors of tacos—seasoned meat, spices, and cheese—with pasta for a comforting fusion meal. Other Mexican-inspired pasta dishes include taco spaghetti, enchilada pasta, and Tex-Mex casseroles.

Is taco seasoning good on noodles?

Absolutely! Taco seasoning works wonderfully with noodles, especially in a taco pasta recipe. The spices cling to the pasta, blend with the cheese, and transform into a creamy, flavor-packed sauce. It takes ordinary noodles and turns them into a Tex-Mex inspired meal that’s hearty, bold, and deliciously different.

What is the thickening agent for taco meat?

In a traditional taco, meat thickens naturally with tomato paste or cornstarch. In a taco pasta recipe, the thickening agents are usually cheese and tomato paste, which blend with broth to form a creamy, clingy sauce that holds beautifully to the pasta.

Taco Pasta Recipe – The Best One-Pot Dinner in 2025

Name: Taco Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85% lean); 1/2 lb medium pasta shells; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend); 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Description

This taco pasta recipe is a cheesy, flavorful one-pot dinner made with ground beef, pasta shells, taco seasoning, and melty cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a family-friendly meal that combines Tex-Mex flavors with the comfort of creamy pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1/2 lb medium pasta shells
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

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Instructions

Cook the beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add flavor: Stir in butter and garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the sauce: Mix in taco seasoning, tomato paste, and both broths. Stir well.
Cook the pasta: Add pasta shells to the skillet, submerging them in the liquid. Cover and simmer until al dente, stirring halfway through.
Finish with cheese: Reduce heat to low, add cheeses and milk, and stir until creamy and fully melted.
Serve: Let rest for 2–3 minutes so the sauce thickens. Garnish with sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños if desired.

Notes

Shred cheese from the block for best melting results. Avoid overcooking the pasta since it will continue absorbing liquid after cooking. Customize with add-ins like corn, black beans, or bell peppers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of dish)
Calories: 500
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1350mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 37g
Cholesterol: 100mg