One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the bold, savory flavors of tacos combined with the comforting creaminess of pasta—all made in just one pot! This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner, packed with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a cheesy, slightly spicy sauce.

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I first discovered this dish when I was craving tacos but didn't have tortillas on hand. What started as an experiment quickly became a family favorite. Now, it's a go-to recipe for busy nights when I need something quick, hearty, and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a dinner that’s as effortless as it is delicious. This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta brings the best of Tex-Mex and Italian comfort food together in one easy dish.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. With just one pot and minimal prep, you’ll have a flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for those hectic weeknights.

The flavors are out of this world. Think taco-seasoned beef, creamy tomato sauce, melty cheese, and tender pasta, all cooked together for a dish that’s savory, slightly spicy, and oh-so-satisfying.

Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your evening. Since everything cooks in one pot, you won’t be left with a sink full of dishes. Just one pan, one stirring spoon, and you're done!

Best of all, this recipe is budget-friendly. With pantry staples like pasta, ground beef, and taco seasoning, you can serve a hearty meal for the whole family without breaking the bank.

Once you try this dish, it’ll quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Let’s talk about the simple ingredients that make it so amazing.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe is in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this pasta dish taste like a cheesy, taco-inspired dream.

Ground Beef – I recommend using lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best balance of flavor and texture. If using a fattier blend, drain excess grease after browning.

Taco Seasoning – Store-bought taco seasoning works great for convenience, but if you have extra time, try making a homemade blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.

Pasta – Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells works best because it holds onto the sauce. Avoid long noodles, as they don’t cook as evenly in one-pot dishes.

Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce – These create a flavorful, slightly tangy base for the sauce. Fire-roasted tomatoes add extra depth if you have them on hand.

Beef Broth – Helps cook the pasta while adding richness to the dish. You can substitute with chicken broth if needed.

Cheese – A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best melt and flavor. Feel free to experiment with pepper jack for extra spice or a Mexican cheese blend.

How To Make This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Making this dish is as easy as cooking beef, adding ingredients, and letting everything simmer to perfection.

Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 4-5 minutes until no longer pink, then drain any excess grease.

Next, stir in the taco seasoning and garlic. Cooking the spices for 30 seconds releases their aroma and deepens the flavor.

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the pasta.

Cover and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the delicious taco flavors.

Once the pasta is fully cooked, remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheese. Let it melt into the sauce for a creamy, cheesy finish.

Top with your favorite taco-inspired garnishes like sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado before serving.

In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a comforting, cheesy taco pasta that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did!

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

For freezing, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to switch up the flavors or adjust to what you have on hand.

Make it spicy – Add chopped jalapeños while browning the beef or stir in a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Swap the protein – Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use black beans for a meatless twist.

Use a different pasta – If you don’t have short pasta, use macaroni, fusilli, or bowtie pasta instead. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Make it creamy – Stir in ¼ cup of cream cheese at the end for an ultra-rich and creamy sauce.

Add more veggies – Toss in corn, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.

With so many ways to customize, this dish never gets boring! Try your own variations and make it a family favorite.

Now that you know how easy and delicious this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is, it’s time to get cooking! Let me know how you customize yours—I’d love to hear your favorite variations.

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