If you crave a hearty, comforting dinner that comes together fast but tastes like a fiesta, One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is your new weeknight hero. Imagine all the sizzle and bold flavors of your favorite beef tacos, but transformed into a lusciously cheesy, one-pot pasta that pleases everyone at the table. With perfectly seasoned ground beef, tangy tomatoes, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of spice, this dish is pure family-friendly magic—no need for a pile of dirty pans or a trip to the taco truck!

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta proves that satisfying dinners don’t require a mile-long list of fancy ingredients. Each item on the list is simple but key—they build layers of flavor, bring the Tex-Mex flair, and ensure every bite is creamy, colorful, and super satisfying.

Ground beef: Provides a hearty, savory base that soaks up all the spices and sauce.
Onion (diced): Sweetens and brightens the finished dish while adding welcome texture.
Garlic (minced): Packs in an extra kick of flavor that’s classic for both tacos and pasta.
Taco seasoning: The signature spice blend brings smoky, zesty, and slightly spicy flavors—use homemade for more control!
Beef broth: Rich and savory, it infuses the pasta with extra depth and keeps everything moist.
Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds tang, a touch of heat, and gorgeous color to the pot.
Tomato sauce: Thickens the sauce, giving it that irresistible, luscious texture.
Pasta shells or elbows: These shapes catch all the saucy goodness and hold the cheese perfectly.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic, melty taco vibe.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a creamy counterpoint to the cheddar and helps the dish become irresistibly smooth.
Sour cream: Rounds everything out with a cool, tangy finish and makes the sauce velvety.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing the seasoning to your liking.
Optional toppings: Sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or cilantro let everyone build their perfect bowl.

How to Make One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by grabbing your largest skillet or a trusty Dutch oven. Heat it over medium, toss in the ground beef and diced onion, and let them mingle until the beef is nicely browned and the onions become golden and soft. If there’s extra fat in the pan, go ahead and drain it—no need for the dish to be greasy. You’re building the savory foundation for your One Pot Beef Taco Pasta.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Once your beef and onions are beautifully browned, add the minced garlic. Stir for about a minute, just until fragrant. This little step wakes up the flavors and gets your whole kitchen smelling drool-worthy.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquids

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat. Now pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Stir well—the mixture should start to look and smell like taco night meets pasta night in the very best way!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot. This is where the magic happens: the pasta will cook right in the flavorful sauce, soaking up every ounce of that beefy, spiced goodness. Bring everything up to a gentle boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Give it a good stir now and then, and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Make It Cheesy and Creamy

Turn off the heat, and stir in both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses along with the sour cream. Everything should melt into a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every piece of pasta. Taste, and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Your One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is ready for its close-up!

How to Serve One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishing is your time to shine! Scatter sliced green onions, chopped fresh tomatoes, jalapeño rings, or a sprinkle of cilantro over each bowl. They don’t just look gorgeous—they add pops of freshness and crunch that play off the creamy, cheesy pasta.

Side Dishes

Keep the theme going with simple sides like crisp green salads, roasted corn, or even crunchy tortilla chips for scooping. A side of guacamole or a zesty slaw pairs perfectly and balances the richness of the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

You can ladle your One Pot Beef Taco Pasta straight into big bowls for a cozy night in, or try serving it family-style from the Dutch oven with all the toppings on the side for a DIY taco pasta bar. For parties, spoon into individual ramekins for adorable single-servings, or use tiny bell peppers as edible scoops for a quirky appetizer twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover One Pot Beef Taco Pasta keeps really well! Simply let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll hold up in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a lunch or dinner lifesaver later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, portion servings into tightly sealed freezer containers once cooled. It’ll keep its flavor for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, as the creams and cheeses are happiest this way.

Reheating

To reheat, pop portions in the microwave or warm gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If it’s looking a little thick, just splash in a bit of beef broth or milk to loosen it up. Top with fresh garnishes to perk up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While shells and elbows scoop up the sauce nicely, you can swap for penne, rotini, or any short-cut pasta you have in the pantry. Just keep an eye on cooking times and add a splash more broth if needed.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

For a spicier One Pot Beef Taco Pasta, use a hot taco seasoning, or add extra cayenne, diced jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the heat to your own taste so it’s just right for you and your crew.

Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?

Definitely! Swap in lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and everything else stays the same. The end result is still deliciously satisfying but a little leaner—great for mixing things up.

What if I want to add more veggies?

Go for it! Bell peppers, black beans, corn, or even zucchini are all tasty additions. Stir them in when you add the pasta, and they’ll blend right into that cheesy, saucy goodness.

Can I prepare One Pot Beef Taco Pasta ahead of time for a party?

You sure can. Make it up to a day ahead, then reheat gently before serving with all your favorite toppings. Give it a good stir and you’re ready to dish up a big, cheerful bowl to every guest.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough about how fun and flavorful One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is—try it once, and you’ll see why it’s earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation! It’s fast, fuss-free, and always a crowd-pleaser. Gather your loved ones and give this one-pot wonder a whirl. Dinner just got a whole lot more exciting!

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and easy one-pot meal that combines the delicious flavors of tacos with pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Taco Pasta:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade
2 cups beef broth
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups uncooked pasta shells or elbows
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

Sliced green onions
Diced tomatoes
Jalapeños
Cilantro

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Season and Simmer: Stir in taco seasoning, beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Add uncooked pasta and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish and Serve: Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sour cream until creamy and melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with desired toppings.