Name: One Pot Beef Taco Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice; 2 ½ cups beef broth; 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)

There’s something about the comfort of a single skillet that turns even the busiest weeknight into a warm, satisfying experience—and this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is exactly that kind of magic. I’ve made it countless times when I needed something hearty, bold, and quick. The way the seasoned beef blends with taco spices, tender pasta, and melty cheese is downright addictive. And the best part? You only need one pot—fewer dishes, more flavor, and way less stress.

I love how this dish brings together two comfort food classics—tacos and pasta—into one gloriously easy meal. It’s savory, zesty, and packed with just enough spice to wake up your tastebuds. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or just cooking for myself and hoping for leftovers, this is one recipe that always gets scraped clean from the pot.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Everything cooks in one pot—including the pasta. That means easy cleanup and maximum flavor infusion.
It’s a weeknight hero—ready in under 30 minutes, but it tastes like you spent much longer.
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing—the familiar flavors of taco seasoning, ground beef, and melty cheese make it a guaranteed hit.
It’s easy to customize with add-ins like beans, corn, or jalapeños.
Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great make-ahead lunch or next-day dinner.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for One Pot Beef Taco Pasta?

I usually reach for rotini when making this dish because its spiral shape holds onto the saucy, cheesy goodness in every bite. But really, any short pasta will do the job—penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure it’s a type that cooks evenly and quickly in a one-pot setting. Long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine tend to clump or cook unevenly here, so I save those for other recipes.

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is a dream when it comes to flexibility. Here are some easy swaps you can make based on what’s in your fridge or pantry:

Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, or even plant-based ground for a vegetarian twist.
Taco Seasoning: Homemade or store-bought both work well. You can even adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Pasta: Like I said, short pasta works best. Try bowtie or shells for a fun switch.
Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but pepper jack, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack melt beautifully, too.
Add-ins: Black beans, corn, diced green chilies, or a spoonful of salsa verde can elevate the dish with even more flavor and texture.
Broth/Base Liquid: If you’re out of beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth will still deliver delicious results.

The beauty of this dish is how easily it bends to what you’ve got on hand.

Ingredients for This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Ground Beef
The hearty base of the dish, adding richness, flavor, and protein. I usually use 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
Onion
It builds a flavorful foundation and adds subtle sweetness once sautéed.
Garlic
Just a couple of cloves go a long way in deepening the savory taco flavor.
Taco Seasoning
The key to that bold, zesty taco taste. You can use store-bought or homemade.
Tomato Paste
Concentrated richness that adds body to the sauce and a boost of umami.
Diced Tomatoes
Adds moisture, acidity, and texture to balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
Pasta (Rotini)
The pasta soaks up all the flavors as it cooks, and rotini’s shape holds onto the sauce perfectly.
Beef Broth
Infuses the pasta with savory depth while helping it cook evenly right in the pot.
Cheddar Cheese
Melted in at the end, it brings everything together with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (optional)
A fresh, herby finish that brightens the dish before serving.

Step 1

Heat a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3

Mix in the taco seasoning and tomato paste, stirring well to coat the meat evenly with the spices and paste. Let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 4

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), dry pasta, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6

Turn off the heat, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7

Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if desired, and serve hot straight from the pot!

How Long to Cook the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

From start to finish, this dish takes around 25 to 30 minutes. Here’s the breakdown:

Browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics: 6–8 minutes
Simmering the pasta until tender: 12–15 minutes
Melting in the cheese and final touches: 2–3 minutes

Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks—different shapes may vary slightly in cooking time, and you want it perfectly al dente without overcooking.

Tips for Perfect One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Use enough broth: The pasta needs plenty of liquid to cook and absorb flavor. Don’t skimp on it or you’ll risk undercooked noodles.
Stir occasionally: Since the pasta is cooking right in the pot, stir now and then to prevent sticking or uneven cooking.
Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste before serving—you might want a pinch more salt, extra taco seasoning, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Add cheese off the heat: Stir in the cheese after cooking to prevent it from getting grainy or separating.
Customize it: This recipe is very forgiving. Toss in extras like beans, corn, or even chopped spinach near the end for a nutrition boost.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it tender but firm. Overcooking will lead to a mushy texture as the pasta continues to soak up liquid even after it’s done.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Adding the cheese too early: Cheese should go in last, off the heat. If added while boiling, it can separate and become oily.
Using too little liquid: The pasta needs enough broth to cook properly and absorb flavor. If things look too dry, add a splash more.
Forgetting to stir: Pasta sitting in one place too long may stick or cook unevenly. Give it a few good stirs while simmering.
Overcooking the pasta: Once it’s soft with a little bite, turn off the heat—especially since it continues cooking in the hot pot.
Not draining excess beef fat: Depending on the fat content of your ground beef, draining can prevent the final dish from feeling greasy.
Skipping seasoning adjustments: Taste before serving. A dash of salt, squeeze of lime, or pinch of chili flakes can really elevate the flavor.

What to Serve With One Pot Beef Taco Pasta?

Simple Green Salad

A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.

Guacamole & Chips

Creamy guac with crunchy tortilla chips brings a fun, snacky side that ties into the taco theme.

Roasted Corn

Sweet roasted corn—either off the cob or in a corn salad—complements the smoky taco spices perfectly.

Garlic Bread

For those who can’t resist carbs with carbs, garlic bread is a comforting (and delicious) sidekick.

Refried Beans

Creamy refried beans add protein and depth, making the meal extra satisfying.

Mexican Soda or Lime Sparkling Water

A citrusy drink helps cut the richness and brightens the meal—especially if it’s got a little heat.

Pico de Gallo

Fresh, chunky salsa with tomatoes, onions, and lime juice adds a pop of freshness on top or on the side.

Pickled Jalapeños

For those who like it spicy, a handful of tangy jalapeños adds heat and punch to each bite.

Storage Instructions

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta stores like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Freezer: You can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after thawing. Let it cool completely before freezing, and use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Reheating Tip: Reheat gently over medium heat and stir often. Add a little shredded cheese on top just before serving to bring back that creamy texture.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 servings)

Note: These are general estimates and can vary based on the brands and substitutions used.

Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg

This dish offers a solid balance of protein and carbs, making it hearty and satisfying for both lunch and dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ground meat can I use instead of beef?

Ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner alternatives. You can also use plant-based ground meat to make it vegetarian.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth or water to revive the texture.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—just use a gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and seasoning are gluten-free as well.

How can I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or hot sauce to the beef as it cooks. You can also top with pickled jalapeños before serving.

What should I do if the pasta isn’t cooking evenly?

Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid and give it a stir every few minutes to prevent clumping and uneven cooking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Corn, black beans, bell peppers, or even spinach work great. Add firmer veggies early and tender ones near the end.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but keep in mind that pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents, which can affect the smoothness of the melt. Freshly grated melts better.

Conclusion

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner: fast, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s got everything—bold spices, creamy cheese, juicy beef, and perfectly cooked pasta—all in a single pan. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish never disappoints. It’s endlessly customizable, ridiculously easy, and always leaves your kitchen smelling amazing. If you’re craving comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist, this is the one to try.