One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

There’s something magical about a dish that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comforting appeal of pasta. This One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta is everything you love about taco night—savory seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice—all tossed together with tender pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce. The best part? It all cooks in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

I first made this recipe on a night when I was craving tacos but didn’t want to deal with multiple dishes. A little experimenting led to a meal that quickly became a family favorite! It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with Tex-Mex goodness, perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a quick, satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Get ready to add this to your regular dinner rotation! This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient and budget-friendly.

First off, it’s a true one-pot meal. No need to cook the pasta separately—everything comes together in a single pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.

Packed with bold taco flavors, this dish is a dream for anyone who loves Mexican-inspired food. The seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and spices create a rich, zesty sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.

It’s also budget-friendly and made with pantry staples. Ground beef, pasta, canned tomatoes, and a handful of spices come together to create a meal that’s both affordable and satisfying.

And let’s not forget the melty, cheesy goodness. A generous handful of shredded cheese stirred in at the end creates a creamy, comforting finish that takes this dish over the top.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in bringing that classic taco taste to life.

Ground beef is the heart of this recipe. I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, 90/10 works too—just add a splash of oil if needed to keep it from drying out.

For that signature taco flavor, taco seasoning is essential. You can use a store-bought packet for convenience or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Pasta selection matters! Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells work best because they hold onto the sauce and don’t get mushy as they cook. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, as they won’t mix as well with the thick, hearty sauce.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies add the perfect balance of acidity and spice. If you’re sensitive to heat, swap them for plain diced tomatoes or use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.

For the cheesy finish, cheddar cheese is my go-to. It melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it a rich, creamy texture. Pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend would also be great options if you want a little extra kick.

A large skillet or deep sauté pan is all you need to bring everything together in one pot. Make sure it has a lid to help the pasta cook evenly.

How To Make This One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Making this dish is as easy as it gets. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a cheesy, taco-inspired pasta that’s sure to be a hit.

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess grease, drain it before moving on.

Next, stir in the taco seasoning and let it coat the beef for an extra boost of flavor. Then, add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, along with the uncooked pasta and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in liquid.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If it looks too dry at any point, add a splash of broth or water.

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. The residual heat will melt it into a creamy, gooey sauce that coats every bite. Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together.

From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you need something quick but delicious.

Storage Options

This dish is just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

To store, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating is easy—just warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to help loosen up the sauce. Stir well to ensure the cheese melts evenly, and it’ll taste just as good as when you first made it!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re looking to switch up the protein, add extra veggies, or make it a little spicier, there’s plenty of room for creativity.

Swap the ground beef for another protein if you prefer. Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well as substitutes while still delivering that classic taco flavor.

If you want to sneak in more veggies, bell peppers, corn, or black beans make great additions. Stir them in along with the diced tomatoes for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish for even more heat.

Not a fan of cheddar? Try a different cheese! Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend will all melt beautifully into the pasta, giving it a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

If you need a gluten-free option, simply swap out the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas may need more or less liquid to cook properly.

No matter how you customize it, this One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta is guaranteed to be a winner. So grab a skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy an easy, flavor-packed dinner that the whole family will love!

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