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- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional toppings: sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeños When I make Taco Pasta, I love to use fresh ingredients. Each item adds flavor and texture. The penne pasta is key. It holds the sauce well, making every bite delicious. Ground beef or turkey gives the dish its hearty base. I prefer ground turkey for a lighter option. Olive oil adds a rich taste when I sauté the onion and garlic. This step brings out their sweetness. Taco seasoning packs a punch of flavor. You can use a store-bought packet or mix your own. Beans and corn add protein and fiber. They make the dish filling. Diced tomatoes brighten the mix. Shredded cheddar cheese adds creaminess. I always sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color and taste. Lastly, I enjoy adding toppings. Sour cream cools the spice, while diced avocado adds creaminess. Jalapeños bring heat for those who like it spicy. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it based on the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This texture keeps the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce later. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step is key as it builds a strong flavor base for the dish. Next, add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Make sure it turns brown and is fully cooked in about 5-7 minutes. If there is too much fat, drain it to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Now, stir in the taco seasoning. It should coat the meat evenly. Pour in about 1/4 cup of water to help blend the seasoning. Cook for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld together. Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to mix everything. Cook for 3-5 minutes. This ensures all ingredients heat through and the flavors combine nicely. Once the pasta is cooked and drained, fold it into the skillet mixture. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts. This adds a creamy texture and richness to your taco pasta. To enhance the richness of taco pasta, use a mix of beef and turkey. The blend gives a deeper flavor. Adding a splash of lime juice at the end brightens the dish. It wakes up the taste buds. Also, cook the pasta just until al dente. This way, it holds its shape and absorbs flavors well. To perfect the taco flavor profile, use high-quality taco seasoning. If you want, make your own blend. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Taste as you go to get it just right. Don’t forget to add a little salt. It brings all the flavors together. For garnishing, add fresh cilantro on top. It adds color and taste. A dollop of sour cream looks nice and tastes great. Diced avocado gives a creamy touch. Sprinkle extra cheese for visual appeal. Serve in a large bowl for family style, or plate individual servings. This makes it feel special. You can also add a few tortilla chips on the side. They add crunch and fun. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. If you do this, it becomes mushy. Always aim for al dente. It holds up better when mixed with the sauce. Another mistake is not browning the meat correctly. Browning adds flavor. Make sure to break the meat apart so it cooks evenly. Don’t rush this step. It makes a big difference in the final taste. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the penne pasta just until it's al dente. This helps it hold its shape and texture when combined with the other ingredients. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to switch the ground beef or turkey with plant-based alternatives or even diced chicken for a different flavor profile. Add Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition of your Taco Pasta Fiesta by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for even more color and flavor. Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can change the protein in taco pasta easily. If you prefer ground chicken, use it instead of beef or turkey. This swap keeps it light and tasty. For a fun twist, try shrimp or chorizo. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Chorizo gives a spicy kick and pairs well with the taco seasoning. If you want a meatless dish, taco pasta can still shine. Use black beans and extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. This adds great texture and flavor. You can also try lentils for protein. The seasoning will still give it that taco taste everyone loves. Want a little heat? Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This gives your taco pasta a nice kick. For families with kids, keep it mild. Try using less seasoning or omitting the jalapeños. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for those who like it spicy. To keep your leftover taco pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up. Properly stored, it lasts up to three days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir it often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Just cover it to keep moisture in, and heat in short bursts. For long-term storage, taco pasta freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth while reheating. This keeps it creamy and delicious. Taco pasta is a fun dish that blends pasta with taco flavors. It combines penne with seasoned meat, beans, and cheese. This dish likely comes from the idea of mixing Italian and Mexican food. It’s quick to make and perfect for family meals. Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta! Look for brands made from rice or corn. They cook differently, so check the package for timing. I recommend using a gluten-free penne to keep the shape and texture similar. Making taco seasoning is easy. Here’s a simple mix: - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon pepper Mix these spices together and use as needed! Absolutely! Adding veggies makes taco pasta even better. Try these: - Diced bell peppers - Sliced zucchini - Chopped spinach - Corn (if not already included) Adding these boosts flavor and nutrition. To make taco pasta creamier, you can add more cheese or a splash of cream. Consider these tips: - Use cream cheese or sour cream for richness. - Stir in extra shredded cheese just before serving. - Add a little milk to the mixture for a smoother texture. These tricks will make every bite extra creamy! This blog post outlined a simple and fun recipe for Taco Pasta. We explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips to make your dish great. Remember to avoid common mistakes and feel free to customize with your favorite proteins or veggies. With these skills, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting and make this recipe your own!

Taco Pasta Fiesta

A delicious blend of taco flavors with pasta, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as desired optional toppings: sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeños

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the meat is evenly coated. Add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) to help the seasoning blend into the meat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and fold everything together until well combined. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

Serve with optional toppings for added flavor.
Keyword one-pot, pasta, quick meal, taco