One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting combination of tacos and pasta in one dish. This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta brings together bold Mexican flavors, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers all the taco night flavors in a simple, fuss-free meal.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to deal with a pile of dishes. The result? A one-pot wonder that’s now a staple in our meal rotation. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for families, busy professionals, or anyone who loves an easy, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with this flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish. If you love tacos and pasta, this is the best of both worlds!

First, it’s quick and convenient. Everything cooks in one pot, meaning minimal prep, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor. Perfect for weeknights when time is short but you still want something delicious.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples like pasta, ground beef, canned tomatoes, and taco seasoning, this meal is as affordable as it is tasty.

And let’s not forget how kid-friendly it is! The cheesy, savory goodness of this dish makes it a favorite for even the pickiest eaters. You can even customize the spice level to suit your family's preferences.

Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap the protein, or make it a little spicier, there are endless ways to tailor this meal to your taste.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of spice, texture, and cheesiness.

Ground beef is the heart of this dish. I recommend using 85/15 ground beef for a balance of flavor and just enough fat to keep things juicy. If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 works too—just add a little extra oil when cooking.

Taco seasoning brings all the essential Mexican-inspired flavors. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Pasta absorbs all the delicious taco-flavored broth. Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells work best, as they hold onto the sauce beautifully. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti for this dish.

Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce create the rich, savory base. Fire-roasted tomatoes add an extra layer of smokiness, but regular diced tomatoes work just fine.

Cheese is the finishing touch that makes this dish irresistible. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best melty, gooey texture. For extra creaminess, a little cream cheese or sour cream can be stirred in at the end.

A large deep skillet or Dutch oven is ideal for this recipe, as it allows everything to cook evenly in one pot without spilling over.

How to Make This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Making this dish is incredibly simple, with just a few easy steps to bring it all together.

Start by heating a large skillet 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, but leave a little for flavor.

Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly. Let it cook for another minute to toast the spices, bringing out their full flavor.

Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and pasta. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.

Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. If the mixture starts to look dry before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash of water or broth.

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Turn off the heat and let the dish sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Storage Options

This dish stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.

For refrigeration, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making the next-day serving even more delicious.

For freezing, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce.

Reheating is easy! Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is endlessly customizable, so feel free to make it your own!

If you want to lighten things up, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It still brings plenty of flavor but with a leaner protein.

For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with black beans, lentils, or meatless crumbles. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Love spice? Add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or extra chili powder for a bolder kick.

If you prefer a creamier dish, stir in a little cream cheese or sour cream at the end. This gives the pasta a luxurious, velvety texture.

For a low-carb option, swap out the pasta for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Just be sure to adjust the liquid accordingly, as these don’t absorb as much moisture as traditional pasta.

Experiment with different cheeses! Pepper Jack, Colby, or even a touch of queso fresco can change up the flavor profile beautifully.

No matter how you make it, this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy a bowlful of cheesy, taco-infused goodness, all with the convenience of a single pot. Happy cooking!

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