One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comfort of a hearty, cheesy pasta dish—especially when it's infused with all the bold flavors of tacos. This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a weeknight hero, combining tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, zesty sauce, all in a single pan.

this Recipe

I first whipped up this dish on a busy evening when I needed something fast, filling, and family-approved. It quickly became a staple in our home because it delivers all the goodness of tacos without the mess. Plus, with only one pot to clean, dinner just got a whole lot easier.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Get ready for a new family favorite! This dish is packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup.

First off, it's quick and easy. Everything cooks in one pot, meaning you’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. No need to juggle multiple pans or deal with a sink full of dishes.

It's also budget-friendly. With simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and pantry spices, this meal won't break the bank. You probably have most of what you need in your kitchen already.

The flavors are absolutely irresistible. Imagine the spicy, savory essence of your favorite tacos blended into a creamy, cheesy pasta. It's got just the right amount of kick without being overwhelming.

Best of all, this recipe is kid-approved. Even picky eaters love the cheesy, comforting combination, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta comes from a few key ingredients that bring both flavor and texture to the dish.

Ground beef is the star of the show. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, you can go with 90/10, but be sure to add a little extra olive oil to keep the dish from drying out.

Pasta is what makes this meal hearty and satisfying. Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells work best because they hold onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Taco seasoning is where all the bold, Tex-Mex flavors come from. You can use a store-bought packet for convenience, but I highly recommend making your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for an even richer taste.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a slight kick and a bright, tangy contrast to the savory beef. If you prefer a milder version, use plain diced tomatoes instead.

Cheese brings everything together! A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives you the perfect melt and flavor, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

You'll also need a large skillet or Dutch oven for cooking everything in one pot—no extra dishes required!

How To Make This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

This dish comes together in just a few simple steps, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

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. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.

Next, stir in the taco seasoning, garlic, and diced onions. Let them cook for about a minute until fragrant. This helps develop deep, bold flavors before adding the other ingredients.

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and uncooked pasta. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheese and a splash of heavy cream. This makes the sauce extra creamy and luxurious, coating every piece of pasta in cheesy goodness.

Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted. Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Then, serve hot with your favorite taco toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or extra cheese!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta stores beautifully for easy meals later.

For the refrigerator, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day!

For the freezer, allow the pasta to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative and adjust it to your taste!

For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the beef. If you love heat, swap the regular diced tomatoes for a can of fire-roasted tomatoes with extra green chilies.

If you prefer ground turkey or chicken, you can easily substitute them for the beef. Just add a bit of extra olive oil to compensate for the lower fat content.

Want to make it extra creamy? Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese along with the shredded cheese. This gives the dish a super-rich, velvety texture.

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils. You'll still get plenty of protein and flavor without the meat!

If you're gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free as well.

This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal, combining the best of tacos and pasta in a single, easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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