Taco Pasta Recipe with taco-seasoned beef, tender pasta, sweet corn, and melty cheese all bubbling together in one pan.
author’s note
The 25-Minute Taco Pasta That Feeds the Whole Family!
I grew up eating Hamburger Helper, and while it’s still a nostalgic dinner for me, it doesn’t taste quite the way I remember. The ingredient list is also a little scary long, and there is often that artificial aftertaste I just don’t love anymore.
I wanted my kids to have that same comforting, nostalgic flavor I remember from childhood, but in a fresher and elevated way. So I got to work testing and perfecting my own copycat version. This Taco Pasta keeps everything I loved about the original: creamy sauce, hearty pasta, and cheesy goodness, but it skips the processed ingredients. It is simple, flavorful, and comes together in one pan with ingredients I always have on hand.
The best part is my kids love it just as much as I did growing up, and I feel good about serving it.
Ingredients In Taco Pasta Recipe
| Ingredient | Swaps or Tips |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | Swap with ground turkey or chicken. For turkey, add extra salt or a pinch of beef bouillon for depth. |
| Onion & garlic | Fresh is best, but onion powder and garlic powder will work in a pinch. |
| Taco seasoning | from-scratch or store-bought both work. Add chili powder or cayenne for more heat. |
| Pasta | I use elbow macaroni, but shells or rotini hold the sauce well too. Choose a pasta with a similar cooking time. |
| Cheese | Freshly shredded Mexican blend or sharp cheddar melts smoother than pre-shredded. Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick. |
Quick Tip
Use a large nonstick skillet to cook this dish. A small pan won’t fit all the ingredients, and a nonstick surface prevents pasta from sticking and burning.
How To Make Taco Pasta Recipe
- Brown the Beef: Cook lean ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Cook onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: mix in taco seasoning and cook for 30 seconds.
- Combine Ingredients: Add water, salsa, corn, pasta, taco sauce, and cooked beef.
- Simmer: Boil, then cover and simmer. Add remaining water; cook until pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and mix in cheese until melted. Serve with toppings.
Featured Comment
“I’ve made this recipe several times and it’s always a hit! Instead of buying a packet of taco seasoning, I use your recipe. It’s so much better and cheaper, too! It is satisfying to the fact that I don’t have to cook the pasta separately, one less pan to wash! It reheats beautifully, too! the cook, your recipes are the BEST!!!”
– Donna
Storage
- Store leftover Taco Pasta Recipe in an sealed container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze in a container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat thoroughly before serving.
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