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Home By Meal Lunch and Dinner

Healthy Taco Pasta

★★★★★ 33 Reviews Recipe Print
gf nf vg
By: Erin7/30/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

healthy taco pasta
healthy taco pasta

Enjoy the best of both worlds with Healthy Taco Pasta. Perfect for when you can’t decide, need something quick, or want a kid-friendly meal sure to fill bellies. Made with ground beef, select veggies, pasta, and more!

healthy taco pasta

Just when I thought pasta couldn’t get more delicious…

When anyone asks me what my all-time favorite dinner is, I usually say that it’s a tie between pasta, tacos, and pizza. Well, imagine my delight when I got the idea to combine two of those into one grand-slam dish of taco pasta goodness.

Healthy taco pasta uses the taco ingredients that we all love (think chopped onions, peppers, and ground beef), and combines that with familiar pasta dish ingredients like tomato sauce and, well… pasta, to create a flavor-packed dish that would put a smile on anyone’s face (and belly!).

I love making pasta casseroles with “traditional” veggies (broccoli, onion, and green pepper), so I figured why not try it with taco ingredients!

This pasta bake recipe is made complete with a generous layer of cheddar cheese that melts to perfection when baked. If you want to go the extra mile, let it broil for the last couple of minutes to get a delicious charred cheddar taste that’s absolutely unbeatable.

close up healthy taco pasta

Ingredients used to make healthy taco casserole

This recipe consists of many of our favorite taco ingredients like onion, red pepper, ground beaf, black beans, and corn. When combined with pasta and topped with delicious cheddar cheese, this meal turns into a casserole bake that provides Tex-Mex flavor and cozy warmth!

  • Pasta
  • Olive oil
  • White onion
  • Garlic
  • Red pepper
  • Ground beef
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Taco seasoning
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

All of the kitchen tools you’ll need

This recipe calls for a casserole dish, nonstick spray, and a few other items. Rather than using a separate pot for the pasta and for the taco ingredients, you can use the same one if that’s easier. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold all of the ingredients!

  • Casserole dish
  • Nonstick spray
  • Large cooking pot
  • Strainer
  • Large pan or dutch oven
  • Stirring utensil

For measuring, you’ll need to be able to measure out a teaspoon, a tablespoon, and a cup.

making taco pasta

How to make healthy taco pasta

This recipe begins by boiling the pasta and then moves into sautéing the veggies and preparing the casserole. All of the taco ingredients simmer and mix together on the stove for an easy clean up! This recipe should take about 20-25 minutes to make. It’s quick, easy, and perfectly savory.

First, preheat the oven to 350F and grease a casserole dish. I’m using a 9×13 pan size but you can use whatever you have. Baking time will need to be adjusted accordingly.

Cook your pasta according to the package, and then drain and set aside.

Next, place a large pan or dutch oven on the stove over medium-high heat and add oil. Once hot, add the onion and pepper.

After a few minutes when the onions and peppers begin to soften, add garlic.

One minute later, add the ground beef. Cook until it’s no longer pink, and then drain everything in a fine mesh strainer.

Add it back to the pan and turn on low heat.

Then, add the corn, beans, taco seasoning and then stir to combine. Finally, add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Let simmer for 5 minutes over low heat, and then stir in the cooked pasta.

Pour everything into a casserole dish and top with cheddar cheese. Toss in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Let cool and enjoy!

healthy taco pasta in dish

How to customize taco casserole

I encourage you to make this dish your own. Hate onions? Leave ’em out! Like a little spice? Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chiles! This dish is sure to be delicious no matter how it’s made.

Make vegan
For a vegan dish, skip the beef and the cheese. That’s it! You can top with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese if you’d like.

Make vegetarian
Feel free to omit the beef or use a plant-based alternative to create a meat-free healthy taco pasta dish. Either option will be delicious!

Use turkey or chicken
You can most definitely use turkey, chicken, or any other ground meat (including vegan options) in place of ground beef. Use your favorite and make this dish your own!

Add veggies
Finally, feel free to get as creative as you’d like and add extra veggies as you see fit. Add extra onion, peppers, and tomatoes or mix things up with green chilis, olives, and/or jalapeños!

Make healthy taco pasta ahead of time

If a gathering or fun occasion is just around the corner, or you simply want to stock your freezer with make-ahead meals, this is a great one to prepare!

To save this meal for a later date, simply prepare everything as directed, stopping just before the step that involves baking. When everything is in your casserole dish, let it cool before covering in plastic wrap or foil and placing in the freezer.

When the time comes to make your casserole, remove it from the freezer, allow it to thaw, and then bake as directed! It will be just as creamy, cheesy, and delicious.

Note: If using this bake-later method, you will not want to store the hot leftovers a second time. Try to eat it all up (though I’m sure this won’t be a problem)!

If you like healthy taco pasta, you’ll love these too!

Pasta doesn’t have to be boring. There are so many ways to prepare it that go far beyond the traditional pasta and tomato sauce recipe! Here are some ideas that are just as flavorful as this ground beef pasta bake.

  • Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
  • Pasta with Creamy Vegan Walnut Tomato Sauce
  • Healthy One Post Pasta Recipe
  • And, to go on top… Roasted Red Pepper Vegan Romesco Sauce
healthy taco pasta
healthy taco pasta
★★★★★ 5 from 33 reviews

Healthy Taco Pasta

Enjoy the best of both worlds with Healthy Taco Pasta. Perfect for when you can’t decide, need something quick, or want a kid-friendly meal sure to fill bellies. Made with ground beef, select veggies, pasta, and more!

Prep: 10Cook: 30Total: 40 minutes
Yield 8 servings 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

  • 4 cups dry pasta (I used brown rice fusilli)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 large white onion, diced.
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 small red pepper, diced.
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15oz can corn, drained and rinsed
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning 
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 15oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease 9×13 casserole dish.
  2. Cook your pasta according to package. Drain accordingly. Set aside.
  3. In a large pan or dutch oven over medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot, add onion and pepper. 
  4. After a few minutes when onions and peppers begin to soften, add garlic.
  5. One minute later, add ground beef. Cook until no longer pink, then drain everything in fine mesh strainer.
  6. Add back to pan and turn on low heat.
  7. Add black beans, corn and taco seasoning. Stir to combine, then add diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. 
  8. Let simmer for 5 minutes over low heat, then stir in cooked pasta.
  9. Pour into casserole dish and top with cheddar cheese. Bake in oven for 10 minutes at 350.
  10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: dinner, gluten-free, lunchMethod: stovetopCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
healthy taco pasta

Did you make this?

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Stephanie says

    Posted on 1/24 at 6:35 pm

    Tried making this review already, but don’t think it went through….so I will share again cause this was a really great dinner idea🤗. It was simple, and flavorful, and made sooo much food. It’s a great recipe to add to your meal prep list as well. I have loved every single recipe I have made from Erin Lives Whole and she is always my go to for easy, and healthy, recipes. Thanks so much for sharing💜

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/25 at 11:22 pm

      Hi Stephanie, so happy you enjoyed it so much and thanks for all your support!!

      Reply
  2. Laura says

    Posted on 1/19 at 4:42 pm

    I used chickpea pasta in mine and it turned out great!! And it makes a ton so reheated it for leftovers and tastes excellent the next day!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/19 at 8:16 pm

      Hi Laura, I am so happy you liked it!!

      Reply
  3. Isabelle says

    Posted on 1/11 at 12:53 pm

    EASIEST & YUMMIEST meal prep EVER!
    This is another weekly staple for my boyfriend and I. We’ve tried with ground beef and ground turkey— delicious either way. Thank you Erin!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/12 at 10:45 pm

      Hi Isabelle, so happy you both loved it!

      Reply
  4. Tangelyn says

    Posted on 1/6 at 10:07 am

    This recipe is delicious! I made it without the beans and it was definitely a hit in my house!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/6 at 4:28 pm

      Hi Tangelyn, I am so happy you liked it!

      Reply
  5. Haley says

    Posted on 1/3 at 4:33 pm

    This dish is such a great meal prep dinner!! Easy to make yet so yummy! Looked forward to eating it every night of the week.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 2:43 pm

      Hi Haley, so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  6. Meg G says

    Posted on 1/3 at 4:26 pm

    This dish is a staple for me and an easy meal prep for the weeks 12 hour shifts! Great flavor! Crushed it!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 2:40 pm

      Hi Meg, glad you love it so much!

      Reply
  7. Sabrina says

    Posted on 1/3 at 3:44 pm

    I’ve made this recipe so many times and it’s my favorite thing I’ve ever cooked. It always turns out amazing and it’s so easy to make. Cannot recommend this recipe enough

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/4 at 1:38 pm

      Hi Sabrina, I am so glad you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  8. Laura t says

    Posted on 12/11 at 12:04 pm

    Simple and delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/11 at 2:35 pm

      Hi Laura, I am so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  9. Colleen says

    Posted on 12/8 at 11:05 am

    Absolutely delicious!!! I used a whole bag of pasta instead of 4 cups and it fed my family of 6 (including my two teenage brothers) and we even had leftovers! Highly recommend

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/8 at 3:07 pm

      Hi Colleen, I am so glad your whole family enjoyed it!

      Reply
  10. Sarah says

    Posted on 12/4 at 1:45 pm

    This dish is absolutely delicious. I made a batch for my partner and me, and it lasted for 8 meals total and we never got tired of it. The fire roasted tomatoes provide the perfect flavor, definitely include them! Will be making over and over!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/7 at 4:19 pm

      Hi Sarah, I am thrilled you both enjoyed it so much!

      Reply
  11. Rebecca says

    Posted on 12/3 at 3:58 pm

    Made this last night and it was delicious!! It was super filling and it made a ton! I couldn’t wait to eat the leftovers today.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/7 at 4:15 pm

      Hi Rebecca, thank you for sharing! Glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  12. Cortney says

    Posted on 10/1 at 1:40 pm

    This taco bake was super easy to throw together and a great thing to meal prep at the beginning of the week. I was not sick of it at all and it makes so much food! Easy to freeze the leftovers too. I am adding this to the weekly rotation for sure!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/1 at 2:17 pm

      Hi Cortney, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you love it!

      Reply
  13. Natalie says

    Posted on 9/4 at 2:31 pm

    This is in the oven right now, but I know it already tastes 10/10 because I’ve been eating it as I go along 😳 Made a vegan version without mince or cheese and it’s soooo good. Thank you!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/5 at 12:16 am

      Hi Natalie, I do that when I cook too! I love that you made it your own. How was it once it was done?

      Reply
  14. Harriet says

    Posted on 8/31 at 3:15 pm

    Love love loved this! I made a vegan version with fake mince & vegan cheese for myself and then a meat & cheese version for my other half! Delicious, will definitely be having again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 9/4 at 12:35 am

      Hi Harriet, thank you and yum that sounds so good too! I am so happy you made it your own!

      Reply
  15. Arianna M says

    Posted on 8/17 at 5:13 pm

    Made this tonight but subbed with quinoa. Really delicious and filling, super easy to make.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/18 at 2:39 pm

      Hi Arianna, I am thrilled you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  16. Beckie maddox says

    Posted on 8/15 at 9:52 am

    Made this last night and it was delicious!! I like the idea of freezing some of this because it makes SO.MUCH.FOOD. And it’s just the 2 of us. My only changes were using turkey and fresh corn from the farmers market.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/16 at 8:18 am

      Hi Beckie, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed them and definitely a good one to freeze for future meals!

      Reply
  17. Jess says

    Posted on 8/10 at 6:47 pm

    I made this tonight and my fiancé and I both loved it! He had no idea I used brown rice pasta! I separated it into two casserole dishes so I could freeze half to save for a second meal since the recipe does make such a large serving! I will definitely be making this again. Thank you!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/10 at 8:53 pm

      Hi Jess, I am so happy you two enjoyed the pasta!! Thanks for your kind words and enjoy it the second time too!

      Reply
  18. Taylor G. says

    Posted on 8/5 at 7:45 pm

    Made this tonight and it was heavenly! So tasty and honestly very easy to make! Boyfriend loved it too. We added a dollop of sour cream to our servings. So good!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  19. Lea says

    Posted on 8/3 at 10:01 pm

    I made this with ground turkey and love it! No other changes and super easy. It made so much food, I froze half of it and can’t wait to dive back into it later!

    Reply
  20. deirdre says

    Posted on 8/3 at 8:04 pm

    My family just made this and everyone loved it! We have a lot of picky eaters and it’s something that everyone could get behind. Thank you so much Erin!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/3 at 9:05 pm

      Hi Deirdre, I’m so glad that you and your family enjoyed the pasta! 🙂

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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