Taco Pasta

Name: Taco Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tbs olive oil; 500 g beef mince; 2 tsp minced garlic (or 2 cloves, minced); 30 g taco seasoning (sachet); 3 tbs tomato paste; 500 ml (2 cups) beef stock liquid; 400 g can diced tomatoes; 250 ml (1 cup) full cream milk (whole milk); 250 g pasta shells or curls; 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated); 1 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)

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Our favourite one-pot taco pasta recipe will be on the table in just 20 minutes! A delicious, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish with bold taco flavours, it's the perfect midweek family dinner.

Packed with beef, pasta, and a rich, seasoned sauce, this cheesy taco pasta is a comforting meal with so much flavour that the whole family will love.

Other family favourites using beef mince include the easiest beef lasagne, a tasty chow mein, a beef and spinach cottage pie, or try a slow cooked chilli con carne.

All are easy recipes, designed to satisfy hungry kids and adults, whilst being budget friendly too. And leftovers are able to be frozen for weeknight meals in a hurry!

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Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe
Pasta Ingredients
How To Make Taco Pasta
Expert Tips
Taco Pasta FAQs
More Easy Family Dinners
Taco Pasta

Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe

Enjoy this Mexican beef and pasta dish as a mid-week family meal, have Taco Tuesday, or just when you need a lazy Sunday taco night....

Quick & Easy – This one-pot dinner is ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep and washing up.
One-Pot Recipe – Less mess and less hassle! Everything cooks together in one pot for ultimate convenience.
Family Favourite – The perfect balance of taco spices and creamy, cheesy goodness makes this a hit with kids and adults alike!
Budget-friendly - Using beef mince and pasta, you can extend taco pasta to feed extras, or increase quantities for meal prepping and freezer meals in advance.
Customisable – Add extra veggies, spice it up, or swap ingredients to suit your taste.

Pasta Ingredients

Simple ingredients make this easy taco pasta recipe a breeze for the entire family on busy weeknights!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Ingredients for Taco Pasta placed on a bench top.

Taco seasoning – A Mexican blend of spices that gives this pasta its signature taco flavour.
Pasta - medium shells or curls – Shell pasta or spirals are the perfect pasta shape to hold onto the thick, flavourful meat sauce, as it will cling to all the twists and turns.
Cheese – A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates a bold, tangy flavour with a deliciously gooey, stretchy texture.

How To Make Taco Pasta

This creamy, cheesy 20 minute meal is a great recipe for an easy family dinner, and certainly a favourite with the kids! Follow the step-by-step photos below.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.

Step 1: Cook the beef mince, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Taco seasoning and tomato paste added to the mince.

Step 2: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add the tomato paste, stirring to coat the mince evenly.

Liquid stock and canned diced tomatoes added to the pan.

Step 3: Pour in the beef stock, diced tomatoes, and milk. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.

Pasta cooking in the pan with meat, stock and seasonings.

Step 4: Add the pasta to the pan, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid.

Cover with a lid and let it cook according to the pasta packet instructions, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.

Cheese added to the pan of meat and pasta.

Step 5: Once the pasta is tender, remove the pan from the heat and stir through the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

Taco Pasta with the cheese melted through the pasta and meat in the pan.

Step 6: Dish up taco pasta immediately, garnished with fresh herbs, a twist of black pepper, extra cheese, or other favourite taco toppings, if desired.

Expert Tips

Add vegetables – Stir in some corn, chopped capsicum (bell peppers), a can of black beans or baby spinach for extra nutrition.
Add your own favourite toppings, such as sliced avocado and a spoonful of sour cream, for a real Mexican vibe.
Make it spicier – Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Use different cheeses – Swap out the cheddar for Colby, Monterey Jack cheese, or a mix of your favourites.
Swap the mince – Use ground chicken or turkey mince for a lighter alternative.
Storing - any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheated for lunch the next day, they make a hearty meal.
Freezing – This dish freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw taco pasta overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

An overhead shot of a white bowl filled with a cheesy mince, and some elbow noodles beside the bowl.

Taco Pasta FAQs

Can I make this taco pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the pasta for your favourite gluten-free variety and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free too.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely. While full cream milk gives the creamiest result, you can use light milk or even a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk.

What can I serve with taco pasta?

This dish is a meal on its own, but it pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or a dollop of sour cream and avocado for extra freshness and flavours.

More Easy Family Dinners

We all love easy meals, ones that the whole family will enjoy. It's even better if the dish is economical, and any leftovers can be frozen for another night - now that's a winner dinner!