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taco pasta topped with shredded cheese on a plate
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Taco Pasta

Taco pasta is the ultimate mash-up of two favorites: pasta and tacos. The noodles absorb the seasoning and create a meal for the whole family.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword How Do I Make Taco Pasta, How To Make Taco Pasta Salad, Taco Past Recipe, Taco Pasta
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 613kcal
Author kathleen

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 16 ounces dried elbow pasta
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, including juice
  • 1 (7-ounce) can mild diced green chiles, including juice
  • 1 (10-ounce) can enchilada sauce
  • 1 (14.75-ounce) can creamed corn
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste
  • 1 (8-ounce) package Mexican cheese blend
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cute into cubes and at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Toppings:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Mexican cheese
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta (16 ounces) according to the package directions and drain; Add drained pasta back to the pasta pot; set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the ground beef (1 pound) and onion, over medium-high heat until the meat is no longer pink. Add the garlic (1 tablespoon) and continue to cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. 
    Step 1 how to make taco pasta, Cook the ground beef and onion. Add the garlic.
  • Add in the diced tomatoes (1 can), diced chilies (1 can), enchilada sauce (1 can), creamed corn (1 can), taco seasoning (1 packet), salt (1/4 teaspoon), pepper (1/4 teaspoon), and dried oregano (2 teaspoons). Simmer for about 10 minutes.
    Step 2 how to make taco pasta, Add in the diced tomatoes, diced chilies, enchilada sauce, creamed corn, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Simmer.
  • Stir in Mexican cheese (1 pack), cream cheese (8 ounces), and sour cream, and gently simmer until cheese and cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well blended. 
    Step 4 how to make taco pasta, Mix and add Mexican cheese. Pour the sauce over pasta and toss until well coated.
  • Pour the sauce over pasta and toss until well coated. Spoon onto individual plates and top with cilantro and cheese as desired.

Notes

  1. Meat: We make this with ground beef, but ground turkey will be just as delicious. You can even make a vegetarian version that will be packed with flavor.
  2. Taco seasoning: Many taco seasoning mixes have salt as one of the main ingredients. To better control the sodium content of your pasta, choose a spice blend that is labeled as low-sodium. Or make your own mixture with spices like onion powder, garlic powder, and dried pepper powder, such as ancho or chipotle.
  3. Cilantro: As much as 14 percent of the population dislikes the taste of cilantro. This is due to a genetic variation that can make cilantro taste soapy to some people. If your family really doesn’t like this herb, leave it out of the pasta. Try fresh parsley and a pinch of cumin to add a bright flavor instead.
  4. Green chiles: Our recipe calls for mild chilies to add a little zest without much heat. If you prefer more spice, substitute an equivalent amount of fresh jalapeño or poblano pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/6 of the recipe | Calories: 613kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 487mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 465IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 2.6mg