The Coziest One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners

Whipping up a delightful one pot beef taco pasta can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Flavor-packed ingredients dance together in a single skillet, creating a meal that satisfies hungry bellies.

Hearty ground beef mingles with zesty spices, transforming simple pasta into a fiesta of taste.

Cheese melts luxuriously over tender noodles, promising a comforting and quick culinary adventure.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this streamlined recipe that cuts down on dishes and maximizes enjoyment.

Minimal prep work means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time savoring each delicious bite.

Dig in and let this crowd-pleasing dish become your new go-to meal that sparks smiles around the table.

Taco Pasta Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that adds rich, meaty flavor to the one-pot pasta dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a foundational savory base for the recipe.
• Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that delivers classic Mexican-inspired flavor to the dish.

• Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the pasta and enhance the overall taste.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Acidic ingredients that add moisture and a tangy tomato flavor to the pasta.
• Pasta: The main starch that creates a hearty and filling one-pot meal.

• Shredded Cheese: A creamy, melty topping that adds richness to the dish.
• Sour Cream: A cool, tangy ingredient that balances the spicy flavors.
• Cilantro, Jalapenos: Fresh herbs and spicy peppers that provide optional garnish and extra flavor.

Directions for Taco Pasta

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Crumble ground beef into the pot, cooking until it turns completely brown and loses its pink color.

Carefully drain away any extra fat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef.

Stir and cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their delicious sweet flavors.

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture.

Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.

Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Simmer And Cook Pasta

Increase heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Immediately reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let everything simmer.

Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.

Step 5: Add Creamy Finish

Remove pot from heat.

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream

Stir until cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Helpful Notes for Taco Pasta

• Remove as much grease as possible from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy dish and ensure a lighter, cleaner flavor profile.
• Opt for 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich, meaty taste.
• Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using mild, medium, or hot varieties, or create your own blend to match personal heat preferences.
• Incorporate diced bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition and texture without compromising the dish's classic taco pasta appeal.
• Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans to create a delicious meatless version that still delivers robust flavor.

Fun Taco Pasta Combos to Try

• Vegetarian Fiesta Pasta: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Taco Pasta: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour.
• Chicken Taco Pasta Swap: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a leaner protein option.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Bowl: Substitute cheese and sour cream with nutritional yeast and cashew cream for a vegan-friendly alternative.

Dishes That Work with Beef Taco Pasta

• Fiesta Plate Party: Top with fresh sliced avocado and a sprinkle of green onions for extra color and crunch.
• Nacho Style Upgrade: Crush tortilla chips on top and add a dollop of guacamole for a playful Mexican-inspired twist.
• Fresh and Zesty Finish: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the pasta and add a handful of chopped fresh cilantro to brighten the flavors.
• Hearty Meal Companion: Serve with a simple side salad or warm cornbread to complete this satisfying one-pot dinner.

Tips for Saving Beef Taco Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if sour cream was added as it may separate.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small amount of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• How spicy is this taco pasta?

The heat level depends on your taco seasoning and optional jalapeños. For milder flavor, use less seasoning or omit jalapeños. For extra kick, add more spicy ingredients.

• Can I use different meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work great as beef substitutes. Adjust cooking times slightly for leaner meats.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! Most children enjoy cheesy pasta with mild taco flavors. You can further reduce spiciness by using mild taco seasoning and skipping hot peppers.

• What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni are perfect. They hold sauce well and mix easily with ground beef and seasonings.

Why This Taco Pasta Is Comfort Food

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This one-pot beef taco pasta brings together beloved Mexican and Italian flavors in a single, delicious dish that keeps everyone happy and satisfied.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: With everything cooked in just one pot, you'll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a hearty, flavor-packed meal with your loved ones.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Perfect for busy families, this recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, delivering a protein-rich and comforting dinner without complicated cooking techniques.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adaptable with optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños, allowing each person to personalize their plate to their taste preferences.

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty one pot beef taco pasta delivers Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Zesty spices and melted cheese combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Chopped cilantro (optional)
• Chopped jalapenos (optional)

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounces/227 grams) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups (224 grams) uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat, thoroughly eliminating excess fat through careful draining.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic.
3. Generously sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, creating a robust flavor foundation.
4. Pour beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the pot, stirring to ensure comprehensive ingredient integration.
5. Add uncooked pasta directly into the liquid mixture, ensuring each piece is submerged evenly.
6. Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 12-15 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb flavors and become perfectly tender.
7. Once pasta reaches optimal texture, remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese until completely melted and smoothly distributed.
8. Optional: Swirl sour cream throughout the dish for enhanced creaminess and tangy complexity.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for vibrant color and zingy finish.
10. Serve immediately while hot, presenting a comforting one-pot meal bursting with southwestern-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or adding extra jalapenos for spice lovers.
• Use lean ground beef or swap with ground turkey for a healthier protein option.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and checking taco seasoning ingredients.
• Prep ingredients in advance to make this a quick weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg