One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

There's nothing better than a hearty, flavor-packed meal that comes together in just one pot. This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the perfect blend of zesty taco flavors and creamy, cheesy pasta, making it an instant family favorite.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe on a hectic weeknight when I wanted something comforting but quick. With just a few pantry staples and minimal cleanup, it quickly became my go-to dish whenever I need a satisfying meal without the fuss.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that's as easy to make as it is delicious. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and anyone who craves bold, cheesy flavors.

First, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes to clean. Everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time and effort.

It’s packed with flavor, thanks to a blend of seasoned ground beef, taco spices, and melty cheese. Every bite is rich, cheesy, and satisfyingly spiced.

This recipe is also budget-friendly. It uses simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes—items you likely already have in your pantry.

Lastly, it’s highly customizable. Whether you want to add more veggies, swap the meat, or adjust the spice level, this dish adapts to your preferences with ease.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each element brings something special to the dish, creating the perfect balance of taste and texture.

Ground beef is the star of this recipe. I recommend using 80/20 beef for the best flavor, but lean ground beef works well if you're looking to cut down on fat. If using a fattier blend, be sure to drain excess grease after browning.

Taco seasoning gives this dish its signature kick. A store-bought packet works great for convenience, but if you have a homemade blend on hand, even better! This adds just the right mix of spices to make the dish sing.

Rotel tomatoes add a little heat and depth of flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for regular diced tomatoes instead. For extra spice, choose the hot variety.

Pasta acts as the base, absorbing all the bold taco flavors. Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best because they hold the sauce well while cooking evenly in the pot.

Cheese is what brings everything together in the end. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey finish that makes this pasta irresistible.

A large, deep skillet or Dutch oven is the only special equipment you’ll need. Having a pot with a lid helps everything cook evenly while locking in flavor.

How To Make This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Making this dish is incredibly simple, and it all comes together in under 30 minutes. Here’s how you can make it happen with ease.

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, followed by the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it before moving on.

Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly. Let it cook for about a minute to toast the spices, deepening the flavor.

Next, add the Rotel tomatoes, uncooked pasta, and beef broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer.

Allow the pasta to cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and coats the pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for extra freshness and flavor.

Storage Options

This dish stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. To store, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste and dietary needs.

For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. Both absorb the taco seasoning well while keeping the dish lighter.

Add extra veggies like bell peppers, corn, or black beans to increase the nutritional value and add some extra texture.

If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, more indulgent dish.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and check that your taco seasoning is free from additives containing gluten.

Spice lovers can turn up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or extra cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

However you make it, this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is sure to be a hit. Feel free to experiment and make it your own—you really can’t go wrong!

Print