Easy One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe That Families Adore

Weeknight dinners demand delicious solutions that minimize kitchen cleanup, and this one pot beef taco pasta recipe delivers exactly that.

Packed with bold southwestern flavors, this dish combines hearty ground beef and pasta in a single skillet.

Melted cheese, zesty seasonings, and tender noodles create a mouthwatering meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

The recipe blends traditional taco ingredients with comforting pasta for a crowd-pleasing dinner that satisfies everyone at the table.

Spices like chili powder and cumin infuse each bite with authentic Mexican-inspired taste.

Creamy and rich, this pasta promises to become a new family favorite that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious.

Beef Taco Pasta, What Makes It Special

• Whip Up a Speedy Meal: Prepare a delicious dinner in just one pot, minimizing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time for busy families and individuals.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily personalize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or extra cheese to match your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults will love the hearty combination of pasta, beef, and zesty taco seasoning that creates a crowd-pleasing meal everyone can enjoy together.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Perfect for beginner cooks or those who want a simple yet satisfying meal, this recipe demands minimal culinary expertise while delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients for One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty meat that provides the primary protein for this one-pot meal.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic flavor enhancers add depth and savory notes to the dish.
• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that gives the pasta its signature Mexican-inspired taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and rich meaty flavor to cook the pasta.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture, texture, and a bright, tangy element to the dish.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich base for the pasta sauce.
• Uncooked Pasta: The core ingredient that absorbs the flavors and provides the main texture.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts to create a creamy, indulgent texture and adds rich flavor.
• Sour Cream: Provides a tangy, smooth finish to the dish.

• Cilantro: A fresh herb that can add a bright, herbal note to the final dish.

Beef Taco Pasta Simple Instructions

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Sizzle the ground beef in a spacious pot or skillet over medium heat until it transforms into a rich, golden brown color.

Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften in the pan, releasing their mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

Stir everything together until the ingredients become best friends and mingle perfectly.

Step 4: Cook The Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta directly into the mixture.

Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid, and let it bubble away for 12-15 minutes.

Give it an occasional stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Create Creamy Perfection

Pull the pot off the heat and introduce shredded cheese and sour cream.

Stir until the mixture becomes irresistibly smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Final Flavor Boost

Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

For an extra pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.

Serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy the flavor explosion.

Tips for Hearty Beef Taco Pasta

• Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a cleaner, lighter texture.
• Adjust taco seasoning quantity or use mild/hot versions to match your preferred heat intensity and family's taste preferences.
• Select short pasta shapes like rotini or shells that hold sauce well and create better overall texture and bite.
• Add cheese off heat to prevent breaking or becoming grainy, maintaining smooth and creamy consistency.
• Sprinkle fresh cilantro or green onions just before serving to add brightness and fresh flavor contrast to the rich pasta.

Pasta Variations with Taco Flavors

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwestern Kick: Add diced jalapeños, use hot taco seasoning, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese for a fiery version that brings extra heat to the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, savory taco-inspired taste.

Serving Ideas for Beef Taco Pasta

• Family Fiesta Night: Serve this zesty pasta as the star of a fun, casual dinner with colorful toppings like fresh salsa, sliced jalapeños, and crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch.
• Mexican-Inspired Plating: Sprinkle additional cheese, dollop extra sour cream, and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro leaves to elevate the dish's visual appeal and flavor profile.
• Side Dish Companions: Pair with Mexican-style street corn, black bean salad, or a light avocado salsa to create a complete meal that balances the rich, hearty pasta with fresh, bright accompaniments.
• Leftover Transformation: Repurpose cold pasta as a delicious taco-inspired wrap filling or use as a cold salad base mixed with extra fresh vegetables for a next-day lunch option.

Taco Pasta Storage Solutions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the pasta is completely cooled before sealing.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring constantly until heated through.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I swap if I don't have the exact ones?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, use different types of pasta like rotini or shells, and replace cheddar cheese with monterey jack or pepper jack for varied flavors.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild spice level from taco seasoning. If you want more heat, add extra chili powder, red pepper flakes, or use a spicier taco seasoning blend.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a complete vegetarian version.

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy and cheesy One Pot Beef Taco Pasta delivers a Mexican-inspired comfort meal that combines ground beef, pasta, and bold southwestern flavors. Quick weeknight dinners get an exciting upgrade with this zesty, hearty dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Seasoning:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Liquids:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can diced tomatoes

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring no pink remains. Eliminate excess fat through draining.
2. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
3. Integrate taco seasoning, creating a robust flavor profile by stirring thoroughly into the meat mixture.
4. Pour beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the pot, combining ingredients evenly to create a rich sauce base.
5. Incorporate uncooked pasta directly into the liquid, ensuring each piece is submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
7. Once pasta reaches tender consistency, remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese until completely melted and smooth.
8. Gently mix in sour cream, creating a creamy and luxurious texture throughout the dish.
9. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to achieve perfect balance.
10. Optional: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning to suit your heat preference.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise flavor.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and make meal preparation smoother and faster.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 494 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg