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    Home » Holiday » Cinco de Mayo » Taco Pasta with Black Bean Noodles

    LAST UPDATED: January 31, 2022 • FIRST PUBLISHED: October 15, 2015 By Toni Dash 26 Comments

    Taco Pasta with Black Bean Noodles

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Taco Pasta with Black Bean Noodles gluten-free

    I spend a lot of time considering how to make my family meals smarter. How to optimize the nutritional value while providing great flavor and adequate portion sizes. Having kids who are growing and are athletes has changed the food landscape in our household considerably.

    After swimming hard for 2 hours after school I want to be sure something hearty with ample protein is ready when they walk through the door. Maybe that sounds like a pretty basic goal but I find it tricky.

    Serving food everyone likes, not too heavy on saturated fat, providing enough vegetables, that doesn’t take a few hours after we get home to prepare and that makes enough for multiple servings isn’t always obvious. It’s a bit of a culinary Rubik’s Cube ordeal for me at times.

    Taco Pasta with Black Bean Noodles with toppings

    I will confess I find it easy to get into a cooking rut too. When I find a dish that really works to fit our needs, it’s tempting to put it on ‘frequent repeat’. Then sadly, like over-listening to a favorite new song, it’s soon is the dreaded meal.

    Taco Pasta with Black Bean Noodles closeup

    When I was growing up there was a meal template seen on everyone’s dinner table pretty much; meat, a side grain and some sort of (usually boiled) vegetable. These days the internet abounds with creative twists. Spiralized vegetables turning into pasta to replace traditional starchy counterparts.

    Cauliflower ‘rice’, again wedging some vegetables on the plate instead of actual grains. I made a discovery a few years ago, really out of exploring gluten-free options, that I feel is a great smart swap providing a powerhouse of protein and fiber: Black Bean Pasta.

    Taco Pasta with Black Bean Noodles from overhead

    As it sounds, the pasta is made solely of black beans and water. The spaghetti shape cooks into regular textured pasta noodles and tastes exactly like black beans, which we love. Everything about it makes a perfect option for a smart meal.

    I do think since we ‘eat with our eyes first’, black food does not make one want to dive in for a bite as other colored foods do however. I’ve addressed that by making Taco Pasta, providing all the flavors one would find in a taco layered colorfully onto the black bean noodles.

    Black Bean Spaghetti Noodles (dry - precooked)

    Instead of traditional pasta sauce, mild or medium salsa is converted to a spicy sauce with lean ground turkey thigh meat, some low-fat sour cream (I used Horizon Organic) and some taco seasoning.

    Simple, fast, creamy and tasty! With my goal being to add color, texture and vegetables, the pasta is topped with finely shredded iceberg lettuce, finely shredded red cabbage, diced tomatoes (I used yellow tomatoes for their sunny appearance) and a sprinkle of Mexican Blend cheese. I often buy packets of Horizon Organic’s grated Mexican blend cheese for all sorts of dishes and to save time grating myself.

    Taco Pasta with toppings

    The combination of flavors really are of a taco in a different form. My family loves it and the longest lead time preparation is chopping and shredding the vegetables, so about 15 minutes. It’s a filling, delicious and nutritious option for your dinner table. Naturally gluten-free too!

    Chopped Yellow Tomatoes, Iceberg Lettuce and Mexican Cheese blend for Taco Pasta
    Taco Pasta with toppings and cheese
    Taco Pasta with Black Bean Noodles gluten-free

    Taco Pasta with Black Bean Noodles

    Black bean pasta noodles are an excellent option for a protein and fiber packed meal. Creating a taco flavored pasta dish allows added vegetables and flavors everyone loves. The noodles are naturally gluten-free. There are many varieties of black bean pasta and I’ve linked to the type I used in the recipe as an online purchasing option if needed.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 6 Serves 6 with ample portions
    Calories: 303kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    Ingredients for the Taco Pasta Sauce:

    • 2 teaspoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • ½ pound Ground Turkey Thigh
    • 1 tablespoon Taco Seasoning
    • 1 24- ounce jar Mild or Medium Salsa
    • ½ cup Lowfat Sour Cream (I used Horizon Organic)

    Ingredients for the Taco Pasta:

    • 1 7- ounce package Organic Black Bean Spaghetti Noodles
    • 1 cup finely sliced Iceberg Lettuce
    • 1 cup finely sliced or shredded Red Cabbage
    • 1 medium Tomatoes , chopped
    • ½-1 cup grated Mexican Cheese Blend (I used Horizon Organic)

    Instructions

    • Prepare the black bean pasta as instructed on the package.
    • While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. When it begins to shimmer to the eye, add the turkey and sauté until it is fully cooked. Sprinkle with the taco seasoning and toss to coat the turkey.
    • Add the salsa and the sour cream to the skillet. Stir to fully combine and allow to simmer for five minute, still over medium heat.
    • When the pasta has been cooked and drained, add it to a serving bowl. Layer the sauce on top of the noodles followed by the lettuce, cabbage, tomatoes and the cheese. Serve immediately.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 966mg | Potassium: 683mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1170IU | Vitamin C: 14.2mg | Calcium: 149mg | Iron: 1.5mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    This conversation is sponsored by Horizon. The opinions and text are all mine.

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    1. Amber C. says

      October 20, 2015 at 11:21 am

      OMG! Yummy and colorful! I can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
    2. Christie says

      October 19, 2015 at 10:07 am

      Black bean noodles definitely look delicious! I am so partial to pasta, but I love this gluten free alternative

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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