One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

There's nothing better than a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dinner that comes together in just one pot. This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta combines all the best flavors of a classic taco with the comforting richness of pasta, making it an instant family favorite.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I had ground beef in the fridge but no tortillas for tacos. A quick pantry check revealed a box of pasta, and inspiration struck! The result was a cheesy, slightly spicy, and incredibly satisfying meal that has been on regular rotation ever since.

Get ready for a recipe that’s packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors, minimal cleanup, and a quick cooking time—perfect for busy evenings.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a dish that brings all the best taco flavors into a comforting, creamy pasta dish. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.

First, it’s incredibly easy. Everything cooks in just one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash and less time spent cleaning up after dinner.

It’s also a budget-friendly meal. Ground beef, pasta, and pantry staples like canned tomatoes and taco seasoning make this an affordable way to feed a crowd without sacrificing taste.

The flavors are completely customizable. Want it spicier? Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños. Prefer a milder version for kids? Use less seasoning and add a little extra cheese to mellow it out.

Best of all, it’s a meal the whole family will devour. With its cheesy, savory, slightly smoky flavors, even picky eaters won’t be able to resist a second helping.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta comes from a handful of simple ingredients that pack in tons of flavor. Each component works together to create a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish.

Ground beef is the star of the show, providing a hearty and savory base. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and texture, but leaner ground beef works too—just be sure to add a little oil if necessary.

Taco seasoning brings all the essential Tex-Mex flavors in one convenient package. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for a homemade touch.

Pasta soaks up all the delicious taco-seasoned broth as it cooks. Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work best since they hold onto the sauce beautifully.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a bright, slightly spicy kick. If you prefer a milder version, use regular diced tomatoes instead.

Cheese is the finishing touch that brings everything together. Shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend melts perfectly into the dish, creating a creamy, gooey texture that makes every bite irresistible.

A large skillet or Dutch oven works best for cooking this recipe, ensuring even heat distribution and plenty of room for stirring.

How To Make This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Making this dish is as simple as cooking your beef, adding the pasta and seasonings, and letting everything simmer until perfectly tender. Let’s break it down step by step.

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

Once the beef is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning and minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute until the spices become fragrant. This step enhances the flavor, making the dish taste like it’s been simmering all day.

Next, pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and uncooked pasta. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

As the pasta absorbs the liquid, it becomes tender and infused with all the rich, taco-spiced flavors. If the mixture looks too dry before the pasta is done, add a splash of extra broth or water.

Once the pasta is fully cooked, stir in the shredded cheese and let it melt into the dish. The sauce will become thick and creamy, coating every bite in cheesy, taco-seasoned goodness.

This entire process takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect quick and satisfying meal.

Storage Options

This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

For short-term storage, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more over time, making the next-day leftovers just as delicious.

If you’d like to freeze it, allow the pasta to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It still delivers all the taco flavor but with a lighter touch.

Prefer a vegetarian version? Skip the meat and add black beans or lentils instead. You can also throw in extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added texture and flavor.

Want it extra creamy? Stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream before serving. This gives the dish an even richer texture.

If you love spice, add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. For a smoky kick, a little chipotle powder or smoked paprika works wonders.

No pasta on hand? You can use rice instead! Just increase the broth slightly and adjust the cooking time to ensure the rice becomes tender.

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own. No matter how you customize it, you’ll end up with a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

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