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Close-up of easy taco pasta recipe with ground beef, elbow macaroni, and homemade taco seasoning.
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5 from 1 vote

Taco Pasta

Recipe Card Summary:
This easy taco pasta is a quick and hearty one-pot dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, tomatoes, and a flavorful homemade taco seasoning blend. It's the perfect family-friendly meal for busy weeknights, back-to-school dinners, or anytime you're craving comforting Tex-Mex flavors. Top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or your favorite taco toppings for an extra delicious finish.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Keyword easy taco pasta, one pot taco pasta, taco pasta, taco spaghetti
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
Author April Boller Wright

Ingredients

For the Taco Pasta

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1½ tbsp if you're using very lean beef
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 1 tsp minced garlic

Seasonings

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp sweet paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Remaining Ingredients

  • 2 10-ounce cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 2 tsp Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
  • 2½ cups water
  • 2 cups uncooked pasta

Optional Garnishes

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

  • Cook the beef. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onions have softened.
  • Add the seasonings. Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  • Add the sauce ingredients. Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato paste, beef base, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Cook the pasta. Add the pasta and stir well. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the pasta is tender, about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Thicken if needed. If the sauce is thinner than you'd like, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the pasta and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thickened.
  • Serve. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve with your favorite taco toppings, such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, diced avocado, or green onions.
Adjust the chili powder to your taste. Start with 1 tablespoon for a mild-to-medium spice level and add more if desired.