Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that combines the flavors of tacos and pasta? This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
Craving tacos but also love pasta? That’s exactly how this recipe came to life in my kitchen.
I wanted something hearty, cheesy, and packed with Mexican-inspired flavors, yet simple enough to cook in a single pot.
After some experimenting, this dish became a family favorite, loved for its bold flavors and minimal cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot means fewer dishes to wash.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, thanks to its cheesy, savory goodness.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients.
Ingredients with Equipment
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup salsa
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini works great)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado
Equipment:
- Large pot or deep skillet with a lid
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat the pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef and onions.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Stir to combine.
- Cook Pasta: Add uncooked pasta to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Once pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheese and sour cream. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rotini absorbs flavors well and cooks evenly.
- Don’t Overcook: Stir occasionally and check pasta doneness to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust Consistency: Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 480 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Cuisine
Mexican-American
Servings
4
Estimated Cost
$12-$15
One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 cup salsa
- 8 oz uncooked pasta penne or rotini works great
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro sliced jalapeños, diced avocado
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat the pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef and onions.
- Incorporate Liquids: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and salsa. Stir to combine.
- Cook Pasta: Add uncooked pasta to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Once pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheese and sour cream. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rotini absorbs flavors well and cooks evenly.
- Don’t Overcook: Stir occasionally and check pasta doneness to avoid mushiness.
- Adjust Consistency: Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Common Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute and reduces the fat content.
2. What other pasta can I use?
Elbow macaroni, fusilli, or shells work well for this recipe.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Enjoy your One Pot Beef Taco Pasta, and may it bring warmth and deliciousness to your table.
Happy cooking!