If you're looking for a quick and easy recipe to use up leftover taco meat, you have to try this Dairy-Free Taco Pasta! It's hearty, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients.

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Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• 🍴Ingredient Notes
• Recipe Variations
• 🍴Step by Step Instructions
• Expert Tips
• Serving Suggestions
• How to store leftovers
• Recipe Card
• Want more recipes?
• 💬 Reviews

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Not sure what to do with the leftover ground beef from taco night? Try this Easy Taco Pasta Recipe!

It has all the classic taco flavors you know and love in a hearty meat sauce with lots of fresh vegetables and gluten-free pasta.

It's great for busy weeknights and something the whole family is sure to love.

🍴Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef Seasoned Taco Style - I followed my own homemade taco seasoning recipe, but you can swap for a packet of taco seasoning to save time!
• Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes - My favorite brand of organic fire roasted diced tomatoes is Muir Glen.
• Gluten-Free Pasta - The pasta will cook separately according to package directions. I used Jovial Brown Rice Fusilli, but you can use any pasta you have on hand!
• Vegetables - This dish would not be complete without some of the classic taco vegetables. You'll need bell peppers, red onion, and sweet onion. If you're not a fan of red onion, you can use two sweet onions.
• Fresh Garlic - I suggest mincing the fresh garlic.
• Avocado Oil - To prevent the vegetables from sticking, I like using a little avocado oil at the bottom of the pan. You can swap for olive oil or coconut oil.
• Tomato Paste - To thicken up this dish you'll need a couple tablespoons of tomato paste.
• Fresh Cilantro - You'll need a little chopped cilantro in the dish for flavor and save some for garnish at the end!
• Seasoning - I used a blend of Chili Powder, Salt, Cumin, Garlic Powder, and Paprika. Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for an extra kick of spice!

Recipe Variations

• Use a different pasta shape like penne, pasta shells, or rigatoni.
• Stir in dairy free shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend to make a cheesy taco sauce.
• Add in minced jalapeno pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to kick up the heat!
• For a heartier dish, add a small can of black beans. (Make sure they are rinsed and strained!)
• To make a creamier sauce without dairy or cheese, add in about ¼ - ½ cup of almond milk, cashew milk, or full fat coconut milk.
• Swap the taco style ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken.

If you love easy dinner recipes like this, check out my Peach Salsa Chicken Tacos or my One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta!

🍴Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook Vegetables

Start by adding the diced red onion, sweet onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic into a large pan with about a tablespoon of avocado oil. Cook on medium heat covered, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes or until onions are translucent.

Step 2: Cook Meat Sauce

Next add in the cooked ground beef, fire roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, cumin, and paprika. Stir well and cover. Cook on medium heat for about 20-30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta

While the sauce and meat are cooking, prepare the pasta in a separate pot. Boil water and cook according to package instructions.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Finally, pour the cooked pasta into the pot with the taco sauce. Stir well and serve with avocado and fresh cilantro.

Expert Tips

• To cut the bell pepper and onion into perfect bite sized pieces, I recommend using a veggie chopper! (It also saves time!)
• Leave the cover on the pan while the vegetables cook and the sauce simmers.
• If you don't have a bowl of leftover taco meat, you can easily cook some ahead of time in the same pan. Just remove the cooked meat when it's done and follow the step-by-step instructions.
• When adding gluten-free pasta into sauce, just note that it will absorb some of the liquid. I always cook my pasta a little al dente, so it doesn't get soggy.

Serving Suggestions

I love garnishing this dish with extra cilantro and sliced or cubed avocado. You could also add lime wedges or a squeeze of fresh lime juice on top.

For some crunch, try adding crushed tortilla chips on top. Salsa and chips would also go well as an appetizer or side dish with this recipe.

If you love spicy food, drizzle some of your favorite hot sauce on top or diced jalapeno!

How to store leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

More Pasta Recipes!

After you make this Leftover Taco Meat Pasta, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!

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