When you can’t decide between tacos and pasta, why not have both? This One Pot Taco Pasta combines the bold flavors of a taco with the cozy comfort of a pasta dinner. It’s a quick, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, with minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pot. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s loaded with savory ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese, all wrapped up in a perfectly seasoned taco-style sauce. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and only dirties one pot—making it a dream for anyone who hates doing dishes. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just want something delicious and easy, this dish is a winner.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need. The full ingredient list is waiting for you in the recipe card below.
- Ground beef
- Onion and garlic
- Taco seasoning
- Diced tomatoes (with green chilies, if you like a little heat)
- Tomato sauce
- Beef or chicken broth
- Uncooked pasta (medium shapes like rotini or shells work best)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
Directions
Brown the Beef
In a large pot or deep skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened.
Add the Seasoning and Liquids
Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Add the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Turn off the heat, cover the pot again, and let the cheese melt. Give it a quick stir before serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor, toast the taco seasoning in the pot for a minute before adding the liquids.
- If the pasta absorbs too much liquid, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and texture.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
- Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary preferences.
- Add a handful of frozen corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Top with diced avocado, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips for a taco-inspired garnish.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This One Pot Taco Pasta is a meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of Mexican-style rice or a crisp green salad for a little extra variety. Cornbread or garlic bread also makes a great companion to soak up the flavorful sauce. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to finish it off.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it from drying out. While this dish is best fresh, it can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add beans or a meat alternative for protein.
What kind of pasta works best?
Medium shapes like rotini, penne, or shells are ideal because they hold the sauce well.
Can I make this spicier?
For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Be sure to stir occasionally while cooking and remove it from the heat as soon as the pasta is tender.
Conclusion
One Pot Taco Pasta is the perfect blend of two beloved classics. It’s quick, hearty, and packed with bold flavors that’ll leave everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a simple meal for guests, this recipe is a keeper. Let me know how it turns out for you—I’d love to hear if you put your own twist on it!
Print
Savory One-Pot Taco Pasta Feast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (add 2-4 servings above normal, this could be 6-8 servings in total) 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This One Pot Taco Pasta combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with tender pasta, beef, and melted cheese. It’s a perfect one-pot meal that is quick, delicious, and sure to please the entire family. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this recipe will become a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies, diced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot, heat over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté veggies: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Season: Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute to bring out the flavors.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes, green chilies, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the pasta: Add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
- Add more chili peppers or jalapeños for extra heat if desired.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with black beans or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg