WeightWatchers Taco Pasta Recipe — Flavorful Low-Point Dinner

Weight Watchers Taco Pasta is a comforting, family-friendly one-pot meal featuring lean ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, elbow macaroni, and shredded cheese. It’s easy to make, similar in spirit to boxed pasta dinners but with better ingredients and flavor. Serve with your favorite taco toppings or keep it simple for a quick weeknight dinner.

I call Mondays “Taco Tuesday Eve” because planning a taco-style meal for the next day makes the week feel friendlier. This recipe yields about eight 1-cup servings and is designed to fit a Weight Watchers plan at 9 SmartPoints per serving when made as written.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 lb 96% lean ground beef
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 package low-sodium taco seasoning
• ½ cup salsa
• 1 cup reduced-fat or fat-free shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: green onions, diced tomatoes, avocado, extra cheese, fat-free sour cream, black beans, olives

How to Make Taco Pasta

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat. Return the beef to the skillet and stir in taco seasoning, beef broth, salsa, and about half of the shredded cheese.

Step 2: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, stir to combine, cover, and simmer on medium heat for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Remove the lid and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Allow the cheese to melt until gooey.

Step 4: Serve hot and garnish as desired with green onions, diced tomatoes, avocado, or a dollop of fat-free sour cream. The pasta is delicious on its own or dressed up with fresh toppings.

1. Serving Size: 1 cup

Tips for Taco Pasta

Use high-lean ground beef (96% lean) to reduce fat while keeping protein high. Reduced-fat or fat-free cheddar works well here, but use any cheese you prefer. Small pasta shapes like shells or small elbows also work nicely. If you add avocado as a topping, serve immediately to avoid browning.

For pantry-friendly swaps: substitute rotini or small shells for elbow macaroni, use a fajita seasoning packet instead of taco seasoning for a slightly different spice profile, or add a can of drained black beans for extra fiber and protein.

Storage and Make-Ahead

Store leftovers in airtight, food-safe containers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between cycles. This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before serving.

Recommended Tools

A large non-stick skillet with a lid works best for cooking the beef and simmering the pasta in one pot. A wooden spoon or heatproof spatula is helpful for stirring and preventing sticking.

More Great Recipes to Try

• Air Fryer Onion Rings
• Grinder Salad Sandwich – TikTok Recipe
• Zero Point Cabbage Soup
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
• French Fries in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Pickle Chips

If you tried this Taco Pasta, please leave a star rating and share your results in the comments. I enjoy hearing how recipes work for you and what variations you try.

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