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A close-up showcases a vibrant bowl of Taco Pasta, topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, ready to be enjoyed.

Easy One Pot Taco Pasta

This Easy One Pot Taco Pasta recipe transforms classic tacos into a creamy and cheesy pasta dish, all cooked in a single pot for ultimate convenience. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, this recipe combines ground beef, taco seasoning, pasta, and cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning packet
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 pound pasta rotini, penne, or shells
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream optional
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro
  • Optional toppings: diced tomatoes
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce
  • Optional toppings: avocado
  • Optional toppings: jalapenos

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Stirring spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Can opener
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for the time indicated on the pasta package, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If desired, stir in the sour cream for extra creaminess.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite taco toppings.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly. Blooming the taco seasoning in the rendered fat from the ground beef enhances the flavor. To prevent sticking, stir the pasta occasionally during the simmering process. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.