Get ready to dig in to a big bowl of comfort with One Pot Beef Taco Pasta! This dish brings together all the bold, zesty flavors you love from tacos—perfectly seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a saucy, tomato-rich base—then tosses them with tender pasta for a hearty meal everyone will cheer for. The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, making both prep and cleanup an absolute breeze. Whether it’s a Tuesday night or a weekend gathering, you’ll find yourself coming back to this irresistible One Pot Beef Taco Pasta again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen for a reason—each one plays a role in building the layers of flavor, color, and cozy texture that make One Pot Beef Taco Pasta so craveable. You’ll likely have most of these on hand, making it even easier to whip up in a flash!
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds big, savory flavor and delicious richness to the dish.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and depth, plus a bit of texture for each bite.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Lends a bold, aromatic punch that makes the whole dish more vibrant.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade): Infuses classic Mexican-inspired spices for that irresistible taco flavor.
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds juiciness and just a touch of heat.
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen): Provides pops of sweetness and gorgeous color throughout.
- 2 ½ cups beef broth: Cooks the pasta right in the pot and gives the dish full, beefy richness.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta shells or rotini: Perfect for soaking up all the saucy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, sharp blanket over the pasta.
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds meltiness and a gently buttery flavor.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Brings concentrated tomato flavor and a glossy sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Lets you adjust everything just the way you like.
- Chopped cilantro and sour cream for garnish (optional): Brightens and cools every serving beautifully.
How to Make One Pot Beef Taco Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion together, letting them sizzle as the beef browns and the onion turns deliciously soft. Stir occasionally and break up the meat, cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes until everything is cooked through and there’s no more pink in the beef. If there’s a lot of excess grease, drain it off for a lighter, cleaner sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Spices
Next, add the minced garlic and your taco seasoning right into the pan. As you stir, you’ll notice the wonderful aroma of spices blending with the garlic and onion—this step unlocks the heart of the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta flavor! Let it cook for about a minute so everything is fragrant and deeply savory.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Corn, Tomato Paste, Broth, and Pasta
This is where the “one pot magic” happens! Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, tomato paste, and beef broth, then stir in the pasta. Give everything a good mix so the pasta is evenly coated and submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—it’ll look saucy at first, but the pasta will soon absorb all that flavorful liquid.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let everything simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every so often so the pasta cooks evenly and nothing sticks. The pasta should be just tender, and most of the liquid will have turned into a beautifully thick sauce to coat every bite.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Finish
Take the pot off the heat and toss in both cheeses—cheddar for sharpness, Monterey Jack for creaminess. Stir until the cheese melts into the pasta, creating an irresistible, velvety finish. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Finish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if you like for a fresh, cooling touch.
How to Serve One Pot Beef Taco Pasta
Garnishes
The finishing touches really turn this from a tasty skillet meal into a showstopper. Pass around bowls of chopped fresh cilantro, zesty green onions, and cooling sour cream for guests to sprinkle and dollop on top. Avocado slices, a squeeze of lime, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips add even more layers of flavor and crunch to every serving.
Side Dishes
Though One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is satisfying all on its own, it’s even better with a few simple sides. Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or serve up chili-lime roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrition. A side of warm cornbread or garlic bread will never go unappreciated, especially to soak up every last bit of sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh weeknight twist, try scooping the pasta into individual ramekins and topping with extra cheese before broiling for a bubbly cheese crust. Serve as a taco pasta bar, letting everyone add their own toppings—think jalapeños, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or black olives—or use leftovers as a filling base for stuffed peppers or loaded nachos. The possibilities are as fun as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta cool fully before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen and become even yummier as they mingle.
Freezing
This pasta is also freezer-friendly, making it a true meal prep hero! Spoon cooled portions into airtight freezer containers or freezer bags and label with the date. It will stay tasty in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop single servings in the microwave with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen up the sauce and keep everything creamy. For larger amounts, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a little extra liquid if needed. Always stir in fresh cheese or toppings just before serving if you want that just-cooked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While shells or rotini are great for catching all the sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just stick to a similar shape and size so the cooking time stays the same.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken both work wonderfully for a lighter version. Want to go vegetarian? Swap in plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth for a savory, meat-free spin.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Yes! For those who love extra heat, stir in a bit of cayenne pepper, add more diced green chilies, or splash in your favorite hot sauce along with the other seasonings.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely. You can make the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta a day ahead, then reheat on the stovetop or in the oven before serving. Hold off on adding fresh garnishes until just before serving for the best flavor and presentation.
How can I make One Pot Beef Taco Pasta gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and confirm that your taco seasoning is gluten-free. Watch the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta may cook a little more quickly or slowly than regular pasta.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that feels like a celebration every time you serve it, you can’t go wrong with One Pot Beef Taco Pasta. Both hearty and irresistibly cheesy, it’s destined to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. Invite some friends, gather your favorite garnishes, and let this dish work its cozy, flavor-packed magic. Trust me—there won’t be any leftovers for long!
Print
One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal that combines the flavors of tacos with pasta in a cheesy, comforting dish. This Mexican-inspired recipe is a family favorite and perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 ½ cups beef broth
- 2 cups uncooked pasta shells or rotini
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro and sour cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic and taco seasoning, cook until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in tomatoes, corn, tomato paste, broth, and pasta. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and sour cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- To make it spicier, add cayenne or hot sauce.
- Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be used for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
