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 weeknight dinner, combining savory ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and bold taco spices in a rich, creamy sauce.

I first made this dish on a busy Tuesday night when I needed something quick, filling, and guaranteed to please my picky eaters. One bite in, and everyone was hooked! Now, it’s a staple in our meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dinner! This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is packed with flavor and perfect for busy families.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. With just 30 minutes and a single pot, you can have a delicious meal on the table with minimal effort and cleanup.

Second, it’s budget-friendly. This recipe uses simple pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, taco seasoning, and cheese, making it an affordable option for feeding a family.

Third, it’s kid-approved. The combination of cheesy goodness and mild taco flavors makes this a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

Lastly, it’s versatile. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen or add extra veggies for a healthier twist.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta comes from a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients that work together to create a comforting meal.

Ground beef is the star of the show. I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well.

Pasta provides the heartiness in this dish. Rotini, penne, or shells work best since they hold onto the sauce beautifully. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used for a healthier alternative.

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

Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes create a rich, tangy base for the sauce. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a smoky depth, but regular diced tomatoes work just as well.

Cheese makes everything better! A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully into the pasta, giving it that irresistible creamy texture.

A large Dutch oven or deep skillet is ideal for this recipe since it provides enough space to cook everything evenly in one pot.

How To Make This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Creating this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to make a flavorful, comforting meal in no time.

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes, then drain any excess grease.

Next, stir in the taco seasoning and let it coat the beef. This step helps the spices bloom, enhancing their depth of flavor. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.

Cover and let the pasta cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the liquid and become tender while soaking up all those delicious taco flavors.

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at this stage.

Turn off the heat and let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, creating the perfect consistency.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta stores beautifully.

For refrigeration, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For freezing, let the pasta cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to bring back the creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it easy to customize based on dietary needs and preferences.

If you want a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. It’s just as flavorful and slightly lighter.

For extra veggies, stir in bell peppers, corn, or black beans when adding the tomatoes. This adds nutrition and a delicious crunch.

Spice lovers can kick up the heat by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning.

To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether and add a dollop of guacamole or avocado slices on top.

For a low-carb version, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce the liquid slightly to avoid excess moisture.

Experiment and make this dish your own! However you customize it, this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is sure to become a household favorite.

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