I ran out of tortillas for tacos before I ran out of the taco seasoned ground beef that I made earlier this week. I had recently made both taco rice and a taco salad so I was looking for something new and the first thing that came to mind was a taco pasta. I have really been liking how versatile the taco seasoned meat and taco condiments are and how they allow one to reinvent the same meal as something new each night. For the taco pasta I decided to keep it simple by just mixing the pasta with the taco seasoned ground beef along with some black beans and a bit of sour cream. I then topped the pasta off with some of my favorite taco condiments including some lettuce, tomato, salsa and cheese. The taco pasta turned out really well! The sour cream added a nice creaminess to the spicy taco pasta and the black beans brought another nice layer texture to the party. The fresh ingredients on top added a nice cool and refreshing reprieve from spiciness of the pasta. I will definitely be keeping this recipe on hand for cleaning up leftover taco seasoned ground beef. Strike that, I think that next time I will make this from scratch rather than waiting for leftovers.
Taco Pasta
ingredients
- 1 cup pasta (cooked, I used whole wheat macaroni) (gluten free for gluten free)
- 1/4 cup taco seasoned ground beef (warmed)
- 1/4 cup black beans
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1/4 cup lettuce (chopped)
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/2 tomato (cut into bite sized pieces)
- 1 green onion (sliced)
- 1 handful cheese (grated)
- 1 tablespoon sliced black olives
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
directions
- After draining the pasta mix in the taco seasoned ground beef, black beans and sour cream.
- Place the taco pasta on a plate and top with your favorite taco toppings.
This looks sensational Kevin!!!
What a wonderful concept, one that I will definately be trying soon. I am sure that my kids will love it as they love taco's and pasta!!
We alway toss left over taco meat with good ole KD! Not gourmet, but hits the spot.
Kim, what’s “KD”? I know this is 13 years old, but maybe you’ll get notified?!
I believe that KD is Kraft Dinner or Kraft Mac & Cheese. (Tacos seasoned beef and taco fillings on KD is good!)
Kevin, that is freaking gorgeious, I cant wait to make it!
Nice multicultural food 😀
Wow this is a terrific idea! It's like a hot pasta and a pasta salad together!
ooh, now i'm hungry 🙂 great idea!
yup, i'm pretty much in love with taco anything, any way i can get it – taco pasta included! great idea!
Pretty great dish, not bad for "leftovers" huh?
Looks delish! We're having a mexican potluck in a couple of weeks, I'll have to keep this in mind.
Mmm what a great idea! I love Mexican and Italian food, this is a great way to combine the two!!
Oooo … I'm liking this idea Kevin … makes for a zesty pasta!
This sort of reminds me of Crunchy Taco Hamburger Helper that my mom used to make me all the time when it was little!! By far my favorite thing she ever cooked.
Amazing photography as usual!
Great idea Kevin. Your pictures are getting better and better.
That looks very scrumptious! An irresistible dish!
Cheers,
Rosa
Looks absolutely delicious Kevin. I never made Taco anything. Maybe it's time to try to make it.
Never would have thought to put taco stuff with pasta- looks great Kevin!
God, you make me hungry every time I come here…
Great photo as well! Give me pasta everyday and I’ll eat it!
I’m from Portugal and we have a magnificent Mediterranean diet and a very rich traditional cuisine. I cook very well and never do it the same way. I do feel inspire by the way you present all your dishes and how you combine ingredients. Perfect.
Thank you for sharing such beautiful gift you have, so pure, so divine…
This is a great idea!
Kevin that looks amazing! Please can you send some here in time for lunch lol.
Seriously that looks good!
Great idea!
This is definitely a great use of leftovers! I bet a taco pizza would be good as well. Next time…
Nice photo and super great idea!
what a great way to use up those leftovers 🙂
Yum! I love anything taco. I should start making more taco meat too. Only other thing I can think of is a taco pizza or calzone, but it isn't nearly as creative.
love this recipe! looks delicious 🙂
you are definitely on a taco roll! wait isn't that a taquito! ahahaha!
sorry stupid humor…hehe
I'm making this tonight! got all the ingredients. thanks for the recipe 🙂
I love it when the unexpected turns out so brilliantly. Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights.
It's always a treat for us when you do.
This reminds me of a gourmet version of hamburger helper. I am definitely going to need to make this. In college before I learned how to actually cook, hamburger helper was a staple, now I can graduate to this!
Love your blog.
Kevin, I found your blog a few days ago and now all I want to do is read the blog and cook your recipes! All your cooking utilizes the kinds of food and ingredients that I most love. I wish you had a cookbook for sale! You are an inspired and gifted cook…it all looks so beautiful too! Thanks for your generosity in sharing all your wonderful cooking.
What a great way to use up the taco meat.
Since I already have the taco seasoning and tacos bookmarked, I'll have to just add this to the list to try out!
That is why mexican food is so versatile! You can do so many things with it. This looks awesome!
It's kind of like a chili mac only with taco…so a taco mac!
geesh, I grew up eating taco salads all the time! But pasta, what a great look! I've recently made a taco salad with left over seared fish from a resto… it was excellent… love ur colors!
Ooo yummy love this creation!
Way to adapt to the lack of tortillas. I on the other hand am swimming in tortillas right now. So been on a quesidalla/taco kick.
Kevin, you take the best pictures! I am making this tomorrow night and cannot wait! Your pic looks delicious!
Kevin, this sounds delish. I think, though, that I will bake the casserole, adding some salsa and cheese to the mix first, then just before serving, top with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream.