I’ve spent time perfecting this Taco Pasta to make it the ultimate easy weeknight meal. It delivers bold taco flavors with hearty ground beef, tender pasta, gooey melted cheese, and chunky salsa—all cooked in one skillet for minimal cleanup. This flavor-packed dish is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to dinner for busy nights.
Easy Taco Pasta Recipe
One-pot meals are the perfect solution for hectic weeknights, and this Taco Pasta definitely delivers. It’s a delicious twist on taco night, with all the comforting flavors of juicy ground beef, rich sauce, and cheesy goodness packed into one cozy dish. It’s a fun way to switch things up when you’re craving tacos but with a little extra comfort on the side.
This recipe has serious Hamburger Helper vibes but with a homemade upgrade that makes it so much better. It’s the kind of warm, cheesy meal the entire family will ask for again and again! Plus, you’ll love that it all comes together in just one skillet. This means there’s less mess to clean up when dinner is done. It’s a win/win for everyone.
For other taco-inspired recipes, be sure to check out my Taco Spaghetti and this Taco Bake with Crescent Rolls.
What Sets Our Recipe Apart
- One-pan wonder – We’ve simplified the recipe by cooking everything in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup.
- Rich, bold flavor – Made with the combination of taco seasoning, beef broth, and chunky salsa, means every bite is packed with the perfect balance of savory and tangy taco goodness.
- Quick and easy recipe – Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a fast and easy dinner option that’s made with a few simple ingredients.
- Customizable – You can easily add your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or even switch up the cheese to suit the whole family.
Ingredients Needed for This Skillet Pasta
- Ground beef – I recommend using lean ground beef for this pasta dish.
- Dry taco seasoning – You can use a store-bought packet or your own homemade taco seasoning.
- Water – Helps mix the taco seasoning into the beef evenly.
- Uncooked pasta – Any short pasta, like elbow macaroni or penne, works well.
- Beef broth – Adds rich flavor and keeps the pasta moist while it cooks.
- Mild chunky salsa – Adds a fresh taste with tomatoes, onions, and peppers for a little zing.
- Freshly shredded cheese – We use a combination of cheddar cheese and Colby jack.
- Chopped cilantro for garnish – Adds a fresh touch and a pop of color.
How To Make One-Pot Taco Pasta
Step One: Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes or until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
Step Two: Add the Seasonings and Pasta
- Add the taco seasoning and water and mix in with beef. Reduce to low-medium heat and simmer the taco meat for another 2 minutes.
- Slowly pour the beef broth into the skillet then add the pasta and salsa. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente and the mixture has thickened.
Tip: Before removing from heat, test the pasta for tenderness.
Step Three: Add the Cheese and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the skillet, stirring until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Top your cheesy taco pasta with chopped cilantro if desired.
Storage Tips
Let the beef taco pasta cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Can You Freeze Taco Pasta?
Absolutely! This is a great recipe for freezing. Start by letting it cool completely. Then transfer the pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the containers or bags with the name of the dish and the date so you can keep track of how long it’s been stored. For the best quality, aim to use the frozen Taco Pasta within 2 to 3 months.
When you’re ready to serve it, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight. You can then reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or beef or vegetable broth if it seems dry.
Suggestions and Alternatives
- Type of pasta – You can use any short pasta like pasta shells, macaroni, rigatoni, ziti, or penne for this dish.
- Other protein – Ground turkey or ground chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken or even shredded chicken.
- Black beans – Throw in some black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Toppings – Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for tasty toppings. Crushed tortilla chips are a great topping for adding a little crunch.
- Cheese – You can use a combination of most any type melty cheese. Pepper jack cheese and sharp cheddar cheese are other good options.
- Tomato – Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste, some tomato sauce or even a drained can of tomatoes with green chiles to deepen the flavor and add richness to the sauce.
- Fresh veggies – You can add fresh veggies to make it a complete meal. Bell pepper, corn, jalapenos, mushrooms, and spinach are all awesome options.
- Add some heat – Swap the mild salsa for medium or hot salsa to spice it up. You can also add extra chili powder, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
FAQs
Yes, you can prepare Taco Pasta in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Yes, you can substitute whole grain or gluten-free pasta. Just keep in mind the cooking times may vary.
To prevent mushy pasta, cook it until al dente. Keep an eye on the pasta while it simmers in the broth. You may even want to consider reducing the cooking time by a couple of minutes since it will continue to cook slightly after removing from heat.
More Pasta Recipes
- Taco Spaghetti
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta
- Roasted Tomato Pasta
- Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Leftover Turkey Casserole
- Classic Italian Lasagna
- Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Hamburger Casserole
Taco Pasta (Skillet Version)
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pkg of dry taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoon water
- 1 ½ cups uncooked pasta
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 16 ounces mild chunky salsa
- ½ cup cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- ½ cup colby jack cheese freshly shredded
- chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes or until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.1 pound lean ground beef
- Add the taco seasoning and water and mix in with beef. Reduce to low-low medium heat and simmer for another 2 minutes.1 pkg of dry taco seasoning, 3 tablespoon water
- Slowly pour the beef broth into the skillet then add the pasta and salsa. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Simmer for 10 minutes or until pasta is tender and the mixture has thickened.1 ½ cups uncooked pasta, 2 ½ cups beef broth, 16 ounces mild chunky salsa
- Remove from heat and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the skillet, stirring until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Top with chopped cilantro if desired.½ cup cheddar cheese, ½ cup colby jack cheese, chopped cilantro
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