Can I make this dish less spicy for my kids?

Absolutely! Simply omit the cayenne pepper and use mild salsa and taco seasoning. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want more heat.

What can I use instead of black beans?

Pinto beans or kidney beans make excellent substitutes. You could also use a combination of beans for variety, or omit them altogether if you prefer.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything through Step 4, refrigerate it covered, and then add the cheese and bake it just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the refrigerator.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free (most are, but it's always good to verify).

Taco Pasta Recipe - Evelynseats

Name: Taco Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound Rotini pasta; 1 pound lean ground beef; Sauce Mixture; 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 3/4 cup salsa; 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 (14-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained; 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

This irresistible Taco Pasta combines two family favorites – tacos and pasta – into one incredible dish that’s bursting with flavor! Tender rotini pasta mingles with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and a zesty tomato sauce, all crowned with melted cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight Wonder: From start to finish in 30 minutes – perfect for those hectic evenings when you need dinner on the table fast!
One-Pan Magic: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your evening. The pasta gets tossed right into the same skillet with the meat mixture.
Kid-Approved: The familiar taco flavors in pasta form make this a dish that even picky eaters will devour. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal!
Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite taco toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rotini pasta: The spiral shape traps all that delicious sauce. The ridges and twists hold onto the sauce beautifully!
Ground beef: Provides hearty protein and classic taco flavor. Choose lean beef for less fat but still plenty of flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: Creates the base for our sauce, adding rich tomato flavor and moisture to bring everything together.
Salsa: Adds instant flavor complexity with minimal effort. Use mild, medium, or hot depending on your spice preference.
Taco seasoning: The secret to authentic taco flavor without measuring multiple spices. This blend does the heavy lifting!
Cumin: Deepens the flavor with its earthy, slightly smoky profile. It’s essential for that authentic taco taste.
Chili powder: Adds warmth and complexity without overwhelming heat. It brings that characteristic southwestern flavor.
Cayenne pepper: Brings the heat! Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Corn: Adds sweetness and texture that balances the savory elements beautifully.
Black beans: Provides extra protein, fiber, and that classic taco component.
Cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible melty topping that pulls everything together. The golden, bubbly crust makes this dish extra special!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and double the black beans or add crumbled tofu seasoned with the same spices.

Pasta Options

Any medium pasta shape works well – try penne, shells, or farfalle if you don’t have rotini. Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrition.

Heat Level Adjustments

Dial up the spice by adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For milder palates, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and use mild salsa.

Cheese Choices

Try pepper jack for extra kick, a Mexican cheese blend, or even a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco when serving.

How to Make Taco Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Pasta and Meat

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Meanwhile, brown the ground beef in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add crushed tomatoes, salsa, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the cooked beef. Stir everything together until well combined, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

Stir in the drained corn and black beans, distributing them evenly throughout the meat sauce. This adds texture, color, and nutritional value to your dish.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Drain the cooked pasta well and add it directly to the skillet with the meat mixture. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and the ingredients are well distributed.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble and brown slightly around the edges.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente when boiling since it will continue cooking slightly in the oven.
Season to Taste: After mixing everything together, taste and adjust seasonings before adding cheese and baking.
Cheese Strategy: Reserve a small portion of cheese to sprinkle on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra golden finish.
Cast Iron Magic: If you have a cast iron skillet, use it for this recipe – it conducts heat beautifully and can go straight from stovetop to oven.
Pasta Water: Save a little pasta cooking water before draining – if your mixture seems too dry, add a splash to loosen things up.

How to Serve

Toppings Bar

Set out small bowls of diced avocado, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and extra salsa so everyone can customize their portion.

Side Dishes

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the hearty pasta.

Bread Option

Warm flour tortillas or crusty garlic bread make excellent companions to soak up any extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often become even better the next day as they continue to develop!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Perfect for meal prep or future emergency dinners.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to revive the sauce, or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes).

FAQs

Can I make this dish less spicy for my kids?

Absolutely! Simply omit the cayenne pepper and use mild salsa and taco seasoning. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want more heat.
What can I use instead of black beans?

Pinto beans or kidney beans make excellent substitutes. You could also use a combination of beans for variety, or omit them altogether if you prefer.
Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything through Step 4, refrigerate it covered, and then add the cheese and bake it just before serving. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free (most are, but it’s always good to verify).

Final Thoughts

This Taco Pasta Recipe brings the best of two comfort food worlds together in one irresistible dish. It’s become my go-to solution for busy weeknights when I need something satisfying that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The combination of zesty taco flavors with hearty pasta never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table. Give it a try – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!