One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

There's nothing better than a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that comes together in just one pot. This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining the bold flavors of taco-seasoned beef with tender pasta, all simmered together in a rich, savory sauce.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick, filling, and kid-approved. Little did I know it would become a staple in our home! With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Get ready to add this recipe to your weekly rotation! This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is everything you need for a satisfying and stress-free dinner.

First, it's incredibly quick and easy to make. From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal on the table in just 30 minutes.

It’s also budget-friendly! Using simple pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and taco seasoning, you can feed a hungry family without breaking the bank.

Another reason to love this dish? Minimal cleanup! Since everything cooks in one pot, you won’t be left with a sink full of dishes at the end of the night.

Finally, it's versatile. You can switch up the protein, add extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta lies in its simple ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor. Here’s what makes this dish so special:

Ground beef is the heart of this dish, adding rich, savory flavor. I prefer using 80/20 ground beef, as it has the perfect balance of fat to keep the meat juicy without being overly greasy.

Taco seasoning is what gives this pasta its signature Tex-Mex flair. You can use a store-bought packet for convenience, but if you have extra time, making your own blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika takes it to the next level.

Pasta is the base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. I recommend medium shells, rotini, or penne, as their shapes help hold onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a touch of acidity and spice, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese. If you prefer a milder flavor, swap them out for plain diced tomatoes.

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

For this recipe, you'll need a large skillet or Dutch oven to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.

How To Make This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Making this dish is a breeze, and the best part is that everything happens in one pot. Here’s how to do it:

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess grease.

Next, stir in the taco seasoning, making sure the beef is fully coated in those bold, smoky flavors. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and a splash of beef broth, stirring everything together until combined.

Now, it’s time for the pasta! Pour in uncooked pasta and additional broth or water, making sure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Once the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid, stir in the shredded cheese, allowing it to melt into the dish. The result? A creamy, cheesy, taco-infused pasta that’s absolutely irresistible.

Give everything a final stir, taste for seasoning, and top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling fancy.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case!), you can store them easily for another meal.

Transfer any leftover One Pot Beef Taco Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making it just as tasty the next day.

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

To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This dish is highly adaptable, making it easy to switch things up based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

For a leaner option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It’s just as delicious and slightly lighter.

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for additional color, texture, and nutrients.

If you like your pasta extra spicy, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

For a gluten-free version, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.

And if you love a creamy twist, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for an extra luscious texture.

No matter how you customize it, this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a foolproof recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s a weeknight favorite!

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