If you’re in the mood for a comforting, flavor-packed meal that comes together with minimal fuss, you’re going to adore this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe. It’s like marrying the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite tacos with the satisfying heartiness of pasta in one glorious dish. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into a cheesy, savory dinner that feels indulgent yet perfectly approachable, making it a fantastic weeknight winner or a crowd-pleaser for casual get-togethers. Plus, it all cooks in one pot, saving you time and cleanup—what’s not to love?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward, wholesome ingredients is your first step toward a delicious dinner. Each item is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of authentic taco seasoning, creamy textures, and vibrant colors that bring this easy meal to life.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and providing a silky base flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this dish truly satisfying.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic punch that enhances the beef.
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce) taco seasoning mix: The key to achieving that unmistakable taco taste.
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained: Infuses moisture and tangy richness.
- 1 cup salsa: Adds zest and a little kick, balancing the dish perfectly.
- 2 cups beef broth or water: Provides the cooking liquid and boosts flavor.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells or macaroni: The comforting carb that soaks up all that flavor.
- 1 cup frozen corn, optional: Offers a sweet pop and lovely texture contrast.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy goodness that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to round out the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to finish.
How to Make One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it brown thoroughly, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. This step builds a rich foundation of flavor through caramelization, which is essential for a deeply satisfying dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the beef is nicely browned, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them together until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about two to three minutes. This softens the onion’s bite and releases garlic’s aromatic oils, layering your dish with more dimension.
Step 3: Mix in Taco Seasoning
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the meat and onions. Stir to coat everything evenly with those spicy, smoky flavors that will shine throughout the entire dish.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Salsa, and Broth
Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, salsa, and beef broth. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. This flavorful liquid base will cook the pasta and infuse it with vibrant taco-inspired tastes.
Step 5: Incorporate Pasta and Optional Corn
Add the uncooked pasta and frozen corn if you’re using it. Stir well to ensure the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid, which ensures even cooking and flavorful absorption.
Step 6: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the mix simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking. The pasta will soak up those delicious juices and become perfectly tender.
Step 7: Season and Add Cheese
Give your dish a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, letting it melt into the hot pasta for a silky, cheesy finish that makes this recipe so comforting.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Lastly, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top. This little burst of green not only lifts the dish visually but also adds a fresh, vibrant note that balances all the savory goodness.
How to Serve One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a no-brainer to brighten your bowl, but consider adding a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, or some sliced avocado. These toppings add creaminess, crunch, and extra layers of flavor that make each bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Though this dish is a complete meal on its own, a simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette or Mexican street corn makes an excellent accompaniment. They add freshness and texture contrast that complement the hearty pasta beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe in colorful bell pepper halves or stuffed into crispy tortilla bowls. It’s a playful presentation that doubles as an extra layer of flavor and crunch, perfect for parties or special dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep well for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely, too. Just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the pasta if needed. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative and will still work wonderfully with the taco seasoning and pasta. Just cook it thoroughly as you would with ground beef.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Pasta shells or macaroni are ideal because they hold the sauce well, but any small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or penne will do just fine.
Is it okay to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the cheddar cheese or use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The dish will still be delicious and full of robust taco flavors.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or black beans when you add the pasta to boost nutrition and texture variety.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you select. For milder results, use a mild seasoning mix and salsa, or add some heat with a spicy salsa and a pinch of chili powder if you like it hot.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is genuinely one of those meals that checks every box for comfort, simplicity, and flavor. It’s perfect for those busy nights when you want something warm and satisfying on the table without drowning in dishes. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own with your favorite toppings and sides. Happy cooking!
Print
One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines seasoned ground beef, taco spices, and pasta in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it features tender pasta simmered in a savory tomato and salsa sauce, enhanced with corn and melted cheddar cheese, and finished with a fresh cilantro garnish.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Broth
- 2 cups beef broth or water
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) uncooked pasta shells or macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix until the beef and onions are well coated.
- Add Tomatoes, Salsa, and Broth: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, salsa, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Add Pasta and Corn: Add the uncooked pasta and frozen corn, stirring well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your preference, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Add Cheese: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated into the pasta mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with water, but broth adds more flavor.
- Use any small pasta shape like shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your desired spice level.
- Adding frozen corn is optional, but it adds a nice sweetness and texture.
- For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Garnish with additional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or sliced olives if desired.
