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

Description

Taco Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of Mexican spices with the al dente bite of rotini pasta. This one-pan recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s loaded with ground beef, black beans, corn, and a cheesy topping that melts beautifully in the oven, guaranteeing a delicious meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta and Protein

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

Add-ins

1 (14-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Garnish

1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the cheesy topping.
Cook the Pasta
Boil the Rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set it aside.
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Prepare the Sauce
Reduce the skillet heat to medium, then add the crushed tomatoes, salsa, taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to the cooked beef. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Incorporate Add-ins
Mix in the drained corn and black beans, stirring until they are evenly blended with the sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Carefully add the cooked pasta into the skillet and stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro or diced avocado if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop for easy meals the next day.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
Adjust spice levels by adding more or less cayenne pepper based on your preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 475
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 28
Cholesterol: 56mg