One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to please the whole family, One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the recipe to try. Imagine the best taco flavors combined with tender pasta, all cooked together in one pot, and topped with melty cheese. It’s everything you love about tacos—ground beef, spicy seasoning, and all that delicious cheesy goodness—but served in a comforting, hearty pasta dish. It’s like taco night met pasta night, and they made the perfect baby. Trust me, you’ll be hooked after just one bite.

The best part? It’s made in a single pot. No need for multiple pans or piles of dishes. You’ll sauté the beef, add in your pasta, and let everything cook together in the same pot, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. You can even add your favorite taco toppings for an extra burst of flavor. This one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Here’s why this recipe will be your new go-to dinner:

Quick and Easy: With just one pot and 30 minutes, dinner is served. This is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight cooking a breeze.

Packed with Flavor: The taco seasoning gives the beef a savory, spicy kick, while the pasta soaks up all those tasty juices, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.

Minimal Cleanup: No need to juggle a bunch of pots and pans. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!

Comforting and Hearty: The combination of pasta, seasoned beef, and melted cheese makes this a hearty dish that will fill you up, while still feeling light and fresh.

Customizable: Add extra veggies, throw in some black beans, or even switch up the cheese to suit your taste. This dish is super flexible!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious one-pot beef taco pasta:

Ground Beef: The star of the dish! It’s flavorful and gives the dish that meaty richness that pairs perfectly with the taco seasoning.

Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought taco seasoning, or make your own blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is what brings the “taco” flavor to the dish.

Pasta: Short pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni works best because it soaks up the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

Diced Tomatoes: These add a bit of juiciness and tang to the dish. If you like your pasta with a little more sauce, you can even add a can of tomato sauce.

Beef Broth: This helps to cook the pasta and infuse it with all that delicious, savory beef flavor. You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer.

Cheese: A generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend) melts into the pasta and gives it that gooey, cheesy finish.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the beef and veggies.

Onion and Garlic: To bring some savory depth to the dish. They’re essential for that aromatic base.

Salt and Pepper: For seasoning. You’ll want to adjust to taste.

Optional Toppings: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for some crunch!

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s dive into making this delicious, one-pot meal:

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and return the beef to the pan.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Add the diced onion and garlic to the pan with the beef, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing!

Step 3: Season It Up

Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing it well with the beef and onions. If you like a bit more spice, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper here. The seasoning will coat the beef and infuse everything with that taco flavor.

Step 4: Add the Pasta and Liquids

Pour in the uncooked pasta, followed by the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth. Stir everything together and make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring it to a simmer and cover the pan.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Let everything cook together, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Keep an eye on it as it cooks to make sure the liquid doesn’t evaporate too quickly—add a bit more broth or water if needed.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Stir the melted cheese into the pasta for a creamy, cheesy texture, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the dish with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or a handful of crushed tortilla chips for some crunch.

How to Serve One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to make it even more delicious, try pairing it with these sides:

Taco Salad: A fresh taco salad with crispy lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy lime dressing is the perfect light side to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread never hurt anyone. It’s perfect for sopping up any extra taco pasta sauce left on the plate.

Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili powder and a squeeze of lime makes for a great Mexican-inspired side.

Simple Guacamole: Whip up a quick guacamole with mashed avocado, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. It’s the perfect creamy complement to the dish.

Additional Tips

• Use Ground Turkey: If you’re looking to lighten the dish up a bit, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey. It’ll still be flavorful and delicious.
• Add Extra Veggies: You can sneak in some extra veggies by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the mix. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the beef.
• Make it Spicy: If you like it spicy, add some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef while cooking. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• Leftovers: This dish stores really well! Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
• Vegan Version: For a plant-based twist, swap the beef for plant-based ground “beef” or beans. You can also use dairy-free cheese to keep it vegan-friendly.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes, any short pasta will work! Penne, rotini, or shells are perfect because they hold up well and soak up the sauce, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

Q2: Can I make this in advance?
A2: Absolutely! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove with a little extra broth to loosen it up.

Q3: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A3: Yes! This pasta freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Reheat by thawing overnight in the fridge and warming it on the stove.

Q4: Can I use a different protein?
A4: Yes, you can swap the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even ground pork. You could also use cooked shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian option.

Q5: Can I make this spicier?
A5: For sure! Add a diced jalapeño while sautéing the onions, or throw in some extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give it an extra kick.

Q6: How do I prevent the pasta from getting too mushy?
A6: Be sure to keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks, and stir occasionally. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, you can add a little extra broth or water to keep the pasta cooking evenly.

This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the perfect combination of comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s a weeknight win that will have everyone asking for seconds—and you’ll love how little cleanup there is!

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