One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting flavors of beef tacos combined with the ease of a hearty pasta dish. This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a delicious fusion of two favorites, bringing bold, zesty spices together with tender pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. Best of all, everything cooks in a single pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

I first stumbled upon this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed a quick and satisfying dinner for my family. With just a handful of pantry staples, I was able to whip up a dish that everyone loved—taco night meets pasta night in the best way possible!

Why You'll Love This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Get ready to add this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta to your weekly dinner rotation. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for feeding a hungry family.

First off, this meal is a time-saver. Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less time spent cleaning up and more time enjoying your evening. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a hearty, satisfying dish on the table.

It’s also budget-friendly. Ground beef, pasta, canned tomatoes, and cheese are all affordable staples that come together to create a meal that tastes gourmet without breaking the bank.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s versatile! You can easily swap in different proteins, cheeses, or even add extra veggies to make it your own. Whether you like it mild or spicy, this dish adapts beautifully to your preferences.

And let’s not forget the comfort factor. Creamy, cheesy, and full of bold taco spices, every bite is pure satisfaction. This is the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out and keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta comes from simple, flavorful ingredients that work together perfectly. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish shine.

Ground beef is the heart of this recipe, providing a rich, meaty base. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer leaner meat, you can opt for 90/10 ground beef, but be sure to add a little extra oil to keep everything juicy.

Pasta is the backbone of this dish, soaking up all the delicious taco seasoning and sauce. I love using medium shells or rotini because their shape holds onto the sauce beautifully. If you only have penne or elbow macaroni on hand, those will work just fine too.

Taco seasoning is what brings the bold, Tex-Mex flavor to this dish. You can use a store-bought packet for convenience, or make your own with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a burst of freshness and a mild kick of spice. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can use plain diced tomatoes instead. For extra richness, a small amount of tomato paste helps deepen the flavor.

Cheese is what takes this pasta over the top! I highly recommend using sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best melt and flavor. A sprinkle of cotija cheese at the end can also add a nice, salty bite.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe—just a large skillet or Dutch oven to cook everything in one pot!

How To Make This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Making this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is as easy as it gets. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a comforting and flavorful meal in no time.

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then brown your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess grease, leaving behind just enough to keep everything flavorful.

Next, stir in the taco seasoning, making sure the beef gets coated in all those bold spices. Let it cook for about a minute to bring out the flavors, then add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and a small spoonful of tomato paste for extra richness.

Pour in the uncooked pasta and enough broth or water to just cover everything. Give it a good stir, bring it to a simmer, then cover and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid and take on all those delicious taco flavors.

Once the pasta is tender, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese, allowing it to melt into a creamy, cheesy sauce. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.

Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for a little extra flair. Serve it up hot, and watch as everyone digs in!

Storage Options

Leftovers? No problem! This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta stores beautifully and makes for an easy next-day meal.

To store, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to meld over time, making it even tastier the next day.

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to prevent excess moisture buildup.

Reheating is simple—just warm it up in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until heated through. If the pasta has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to bring back its creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is incredibly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative with it!

Want to lighten it up? Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. You’ll still get plenty of flavor with the taco seasoning and cheese.

For a vegetarian twist, replace the beef with black beans or lentils. You can also add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to boost the nutrition.

If you like it extra spicy, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack for an extra kick.

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as some gluten-free pastas cook faster than traditional varieties.

Craving a creamy version? Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end for an ultra-rich and velvety sauce.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the best of taco night and pasta night in one easy, flavorful meal!

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