Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner that brings together the bold taste of tacos with the comfort of creamy pasta—all made in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is packed with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, melty cheese, and a zesty taco flair. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to clean up.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlictaco seasoningtomato pastediced tomatoes with green chilesbeef brothpasta (such as rotini or elbow)cheddar cheesecream cheeseolive oilsalt and pepperoptional toppings: sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Stir in taco seasoning and tomato paste, mixing well to coat the beef.

Add diced tomatoes with green chiles, beef broth, and uncooked pasta.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.

Swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicier kick.

Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Stir in chopped spinach or bell peppers for a veggie boost.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content, which may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, shells, or fusilli works well.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from the taco seasoning and green chiles, but you can adjust the heat level to taste.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, prepare it up to 2 days in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Absolutely, homemade seasoning works perfectly.

What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked?

Add a bit more broth and cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can I skip the cream cheese?

Yes, though it adds creaminess—replace with a bit more shredded cheese or a splash of heavy cream.

Do I need to drain the tomatoes?

No, include the liquid for extra flavor and moisture.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s cheesy, meaty, and mild enough for most kids to enjoy.

Conclusion

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a delicious mash-up of taco night and pasta night, all in one comforting, cheesy dish. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s a lifesaver for hectic evenings and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite at the dinner table.