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One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

4.6 from 95 reviews

This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta recipe merges the bold flavors of taco seasoning with the comforting texture of pasta all cooked together in a single pot. It’s a quick, hearty, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights, combining ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese with optional additions like black beans, corn, and jalapeños for extra zest.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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)

Optional Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic for extra flavor. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Season the Beef: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef and stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
  3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth or water to the pot. Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
  4. Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
  5. Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with your choice of toppings such as cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can customize the dish with optional black beans, corn, and jalapeños for added texture and flavor.
  • Use beef broth for richer flavor or water if you want to keep it lighter.
  • Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
  • To make it spicier, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when serving.

Keywords: one pot pasta, taco pasta, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, Tex-Mex pasta, easy weeknight meal