Name: One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (450g); 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 8 ounces pasta (225g, such as penne, rotini, or shells); 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces); 1 cup tomato sauce; 2 cups beef broth or water; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup black beans; 1/2 cup corn kernels; 1/4 cup jalapeños or diced bell peppers

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Introduction

This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with comforting pasta. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful, cheesy dish perfect for busy cooks who want a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.

This dish is served in a deep, round, white bowl with a matte blue inside. It has three main layers: the bottom layer is elbow macaroni cooked soft with a reddish-brown sauce mixed with ground meat and small pieces of red tomato and onion, giving it a chunky texture. On top, there is a thick dollop of white sour cream sprinkled with black pepper. Around the sour cream, chopped bright green scallions are scattered. A fresh lime wedge with a light green color rests on the right side of the sour cream, slightly tilted. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a textured cloth underneath. To the left, there is a folded mustard-yellow cloth with three shiny silver spoons and a white bowl with sliced green scallions. To the right, a wooden bowl holds lime wedges and fresh green cilantro leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (450g)
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
8 ounces pasta (225g, such as penne, rotini, or shells)
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
1 cup tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth or water
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1/2 cup black beans (optional)
1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
1/4 cup jalapeños or diced bell peppers (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. If using, add olive oil and minced garlic, cooking briefly until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef and stir well to coat evenly.
Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth or water. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid.
Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
Step 7: Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 8: Remove from heat. Garnish with your preferred toppings such as cilantro, green onions, or sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra veggies, add black beans, corn, jalapeños, or diced bell peppers along with the liquids in Step 4.
Use beef broth for richer flavor, or water for a lighter dish.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Leftovers taste great reheated with a splash of broth to keep them moist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little broth or water if the pasta seems dry. This helps maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

A white enamel pot filled with a rich, orange-red stew of elbow macaroni mixed with small chunks of browned ground meat and bits of red and green vegetables. The stew has a thick, slightly oily sauce coating the pasta and meat. A lime wedge and fresh green herbs, including chopped green onions and cilantro, sit on top for garnish. The pot is placed on a soft-textured white marbled surface. Nearby, there is a small white dish with chopped green onions, a wooden bowl with lime wedges, and a clear glass filled with a golden-yellow drink. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal as they cook evenly and hold the sauce well. Avoid long pasta that may not cook properly in this one-pot method.