The Ultimate One-Pot Taco Pasta Recipe That’s Ready in Minutes

Taco pasta crafts ordinary weeknight dinners into a fiesta of flavors that dance across your plate.

This zesty culinary creation marries the bold spices of Mexican-inspired cuisine with comforting pasta in one spectacular dish.

Perfectly seasoned meat mingles with tender noodles, creating a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Each forkful brings a symphony of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds celebrate.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to dig into this crowd-pleasing combination of classic ingredients.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability, allowing you to customize with your favorite garnishes.

Satisfying hunger and sparking joy becomes effortless with this crowd-stopping meal.

Why One-Pot Taco Pasta Is the Easiest Comfort Food

• Whip Up a Flavor Explosion: Combine the zesty punch of taco seasoning with creamy pasta in one easy-to-make dish that brings Mexican-inspired comfort to your dinner table.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-pot wonder cuts down on dishes and prep time, letting you enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen or creating a mountain of cleanup.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust the spice level with hot sauce, swap proteins, or add extra toppings to make this recipe perfectly tailored to your taste buds and family preferences.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein, balanced macronutrients, and a good dose of vegetables, this meal delivers both satisfying flavor and solid nutritional value in every delicious bite.

Taco Night Ingredients, Pasta Night Twist

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein foundation with rich, meaty flavor. Best when lean to reduce excess grease.
• Beef Broth: Provides deep, savory liquid base for cooking pasta and enhancing overall taste.

• Dry Pasta: Absorbs flavors and creates satisfying one-pot meal texture. Short pasta shapes work best.
• Taco Seasoning, Paprika, Cumin: Classic Mexican-inspired spice blend for bold, warm flavor profile.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: Adds sweet, aromatic base and nutritional depth to the dish. Fresh, crisp vegetables recommended.
• Canned Tomatoes, Green Chilis: Provides moisture, tanginess, and slight heat to the sauce.

• Cheddar Cheese: Creamy, melty topping that adds rich, sharp flavor. Shredded for easy melting.
• Cilantro, Scallions: Fresh herbs for bright, clean garnish and additional flavor layers.

• Lime Juice, Hot Sauce: Adds bright acidity and optional spicy kick. Adjustable to personal preference.
• Sour Cream: Optional cool, creamy topping to balance spices.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing and preventing sticking.
• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile.

Stirring Up a Quick and Cheesy One-Pot Meal

Step 1: Prepare The Skillet

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 2 minutes until softened. Add ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until most of the pink disappears (3-5 minutes). Optional: Drain excess grease from the pan.

Step 2: Add Spices And Tomatoes

• Taco seasoning
• Paprika
• Cumin

Add canned tomatoes and green chilis with their liquid. Mix ingredients thoroughly. Add dry pasta and stir to coat with the spice mixture.

Step 3: Create The Liquid Base

Pour beef broth into the pot and stir completely. Increase heat to medium-high, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover the pot and simmer for 13-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Finish And Garnish

Once pasta is fully cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted. Mix in chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and hot sauce if desired. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Allow the dish to thicken for 3-5 minutes.

• Sliced scallions
• Sour cream
• Fresh lime slices

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!

Tips to Avoid Soggy Pasta and Keep It Creamy

• Choose Quality Meat: Select lean ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal flavor without excess grease.
• Spice Control: Adjust taco seasoning to match your heat preference, using homemade or store-bought blends for personalized taste.
• Pasta Perfection: Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even sauce distribution.
• Cheese Technique: Add cheese off the heat to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Liquid Balance: Keep extra broth nearby in case pasta needs more moisture during simmering for ideal consistency.

Stash It for Later with Flavor Intact

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store the one-pot taco pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Stovetop Revival: Revive cold pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly heated.

Side Dishes That Join the Taco Pasta Party

• Boost Mexican Flavor Fusion: Pair this zesty one-pot taco pasta with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, which cuts through the rich, spicy flavors and refreshes the palate.
• Elevate with Citrus Margarita: Serve alongside a classic lime margarita that complements the dish's lime juice and cilantro notes, enhancing the bright, tangy undertones of the meal.
• Create Cooling Contrast: Add a simple side of fresh avocado salad or creamy guacamole to balance the pasta's warmth and provide a cool, smooth counterpoint to the spicy, cheesy pasta.
• Enhance with Fresh Salsa: Serve with a homemade pico de gallo or fresh salsa verde to add extra brightness and texture, bringing additional layers of traditional Mexican-inspired freshness to the dish.

New Ways to Tweak the Taco Theme

• Fiesta Chicken Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick protein change. Use the same spices and cooking method, ensuring tender meat blends perfectly with pasta.
• Vegetarian Mexican Magic: Substitute beef with black beans and plant-based crumbles. Add extra bell peppers and corn for texture and nutritional boost. Keep the zesty seasoning for maximum flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Include chipotle powder in the seasoning mix for smoky, intense flavor profile.
• Seafood Southwest Edition: Swap beef for succulent shrimp or white fish. Reduce cooking time slightly to prevent seafood from overcooking. Maintain the tomato and chili base for rich, coastal-inspired taste.

One-Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty One-Pot Taco Pasta brings Mexican-inspired comfort to your dinner table with bold spices and creamy cheese. Ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and pasta merge into a delicious skillet meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds in one quick, easy preparation.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (12 ounces if using Impossible Meat)

Vegetables and Spices:

• 1 white onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning or 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilis
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt, as needed

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces elbow pasta
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Green onions, chopped
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers for approximately 2 minutes until they become translucent and slightly tender.
2. Add ground beef to the vegetable mixture, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef loses its pink color and begins to brown, around 3-4 minutes. Carefully drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning, paprika, and cumin over the meat. Pour in canned tomatoes and green chilis, including their liquid. Thoroughly combine all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of spices.
4. Add uncooked pasta to the pot, stirring to coat each piece with the seasoned meat and vegetable mixture. This helps infuse the pasta with robust flavors.
5. Pour beef broth into the pot, gently stirring to integrate all components. Raise the heat to medium-high, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the pasta to simmer for 12-15 minutes. Occasionally stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
7. Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, remove the pot from heat. Immediately fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy texture.
8. Incorporate freshly chopped cilantro, lime juice, and optional hot sauce. Taste and adjust salt levels as needed for optimal flavor balance.
9. Let the dish rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished with sliced scallions, a dollop of sour cream, and lime wedges for an extra zesty touch.

Notes

• Customize your pasta by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter twist.
• Leftover pasta keeps well in an airtight container for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or meal prep.
• Spice lovers can amp up heat by adding extra hot sauce or using a zestier taco seasoning blend.
• Dairy-free option works great by substituting cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Fresh ingredients like crisp cilantro and bright lime juice elevate this one-pot meal from good to absolutely delicious.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 70mg