Dinner

Taco Pasta Recipe

ByElla Hart March 3, 2026March 3, 2026

Introduction

This Taco Pasta recipe is a delightful fusion of Mexican flavors and comforting pasta that comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal. Ground beef and bell peppers cooked with taco seasoning blend perfectly with cheesy pasta in a rich sauce.

A close-up view of two bowls filled with shell pasta mixed with a thick red sauce containing ground meat and small pieces of red bell pepper. The pasta shells are coated evenly with the sauce and scattered with small bits of green herbs on top. The bowls are white and set on a white marbled surface. A white bowl with more pasta is visible in the background, sitting on a blue and white striped cloth. Two silver forks rest near the bottom left corner on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. ButcherBox Ground Beef
1/2 cup onion (chopped finely)
½ tablespoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
2 cups red bell pepper (diced)
2 tablespoons taco seasoning (low sodium)
3 cups medium shells pasta (10 oz)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
2 cups water
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Spray a large pan or pot with olive oil spray. Heat the pan over medium-high heat for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Add ground beef, onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes or until the beef is cooked through and no longer pink.
Step 3: Add the dry pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water to the pan. Stir together. Cover the pan and bring to a boil, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Once boiling, remove the cover and reduce the heat to medium. Stir every few minutes for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked and the liquid has reduced.
Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños when cooking the beef.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Swap cheddar cheese for a Mexican blend or pepper jack for different flavors.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with three layers of shell pasta mixed in a thick meat sauce; the pasta is a warm golden yellow, lightly shiny, with a smooth curved texture, and the meat sauce is rich brown with bits of ground meat and small pieces of red tomato, evenly mixed throughout the pasta, garnished with small green herb pieces for a fresh look. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with part of another bowl and a white and blue striped cloth visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or add extra beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.

What type of pasta works best?

Medium-sized shells or other similarly shaped pasta like rotini or penne work well because they hold the sauce nicely.