One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting combination of tacos and pasta, all in one easy dish. This One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal—savory, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe when I needed a quick dinner that would please everyone at the table. The result? A hearty, flavorful pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes—all in one pot! Now, it’s my go-to meal whenever I want something delicious without the hassle of extra dishes.

Why You'll Love This One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dinner recipe. This One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient.

First off, it’s super quick and easy. With just one pot and less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a full meal on the table, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using affordable pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and canned tomatoes, this dish proves that you don’t need to spend a lot to make a satisfying meal.

If you love versatility, this recipe has you covered. You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand—swap in ground turkey, add extra veggies, or use different cheeses.

Lastly, cleanup is a breeze. Since everything cooks in one pot, there’s minimal mess to deal with, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta comes from simple yet flavorful ingredients that bring everything together.

Ground beef is the star of this dish, providing a hearty and savory base. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well.

Taco seasoning is what gives this dish its bold, Tex-Mex flavor. You can use a store-bought packet for convenience, but if you have time, try making your own blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.

Pasta serves as the heart of the dish, soaking up all those delicious flavors. Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best because they hold onto the sauce well.

Diced tomatoes with green chilies add both a rich tomato base and a little kick of spice. If you prefer a milder version, use plain diced tomatoes instead.

Cheese brings everything together with its creamy, melty goodness. Cheddar or a Mexican blend works beautifully, but feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

For this recipe, you’ll also need a large pot or deep skillet to ensure everything cooks evenly in one dish.

How To Make This One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Making this One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta is easier than you think! Here’s how to do it step by step.

Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. If there’s excess grease, drain it before proceeding.

Next, stir in the taco seasoning, making sure the beef is evenly coated. This step is crucial for locking in that bold taco flavor. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.

Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, along with the beef broth and uncooked pasta. Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

As the pasta absorbs the liquid, it will become tender and flavorful. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.

Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making every bite perfectly cheesy and delicious.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta stores beautifully!

For the refrigerator, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating is simple—just warm it up in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

If you prefer a leaner protein, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The results are just as delicious but slightly lighter.

Want to add more veggies? Stir in bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra color, texture, and nutrition.

For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.

If you love creamy pasta, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for an extra rich and velvety texture.

Gluten-free? No problem! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, but keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary.

No matter how you customize it, this One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a guaranteed hit. Try it today and see why it’s a favorite in so many households!

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