If you are craving a meal that brings together bold Mexican flavors with comforting pasta in the easiest way possible, this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, and melty cheddar cheese all cooked together in one pot, this dish delivers rich taste, wonderful textures, and vibrant colors with minimal effort and cleanup. It’s a family-friendly, weeknight superstar that never fails to satisfy hungry appetites with its saucy, cheesy, taco goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role to build layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic onion and garlic to the hearty ground beef and zesty taco seasoning, every component is easily accessible and essential for that perfect cozy meal.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and adding a subtle fruitiness that enhances flavors.
- Small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth when softened at the start.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds fragrant, savory notes that wake up the whole dish.
- Ground beef: The rich, meaty base that carries the tasty taco spices throughout the recipe.
- Taco seasoning: The star spice blend that brings that unmistakable Mexican-inspired kick.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and subtle heat to the dish.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds brightness, moisture, and a hint of heat for dimension.
- Beef broth: Provides the cooking liquid, enriching the pasta with deep savory flavors.
- Rotini pasta, uncooked: Its spiral shape traps sauce wonderfully, making every bite luscious.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the finished dish creating creamy, cheesy indulgence.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional): Offers a fresh herbal pop that lightens and brightens the rich flavors.
How to Make One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic then cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn soft and release their intoxicating fragrance. This step creates a flavorful base that will lift the entire dish.
Step 2: Brown the beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly until nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily and heavy while preserving that meaty richness.
Step 3: Season the beef
Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices cook with the beef for about 1 minute to really bloom the flavors. This step intensifies the taste and ensures the beef is infused with that authentic taco flavor.
Step 4: Add liquids and tomatoes
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies along with the beef broth. Stir everything together to combine, allowing the liquid to mingle with the meat and spices. This mixture forms the saucy heart of your pasta dish.
Step 5: Incorporate pasta
Add the uncooked rotini pasta directly into the pot, stirring well to ensure the pasta is mostly covered by the liquid. This helps the pasta cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors simmering around it.
Step 6: Simmer until tender
Bring the entire pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check the pasta’s tenderness. This slow simmering fully develops the sauce and perfectly cooks the pasta.
Step 7: Melt in the cheese
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. The cheese adds a creamy, luscious layer that ties all the bold flavors together and makes this dish irresistibly comforting.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
For a fresh finish, sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top if you like. Serve the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta piping hot and watch your family or friends dive into this rich, cheesy meal that is as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.
How to Serve One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley not only brings a splash of vibrant green but also introduces a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. For extra flair, a dollop of sour cream or diced avocado makes fantastic toppings that elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides such as a refreshing mixed green salad, crunchy tortilla chips, or a simple coleslaw. These accompaniments balance the richness and add texture variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in mini cast-iron skillets or individual ramekins to impress guests. You can also turn it into a layered taco casserole bake by topping with extra cheese and baking briefly until golden and bubbly for a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Beef Taco Pasta should be cooled to room temperature then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep perfectly for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish also freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Freeze cooled portions in sealable bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat your One Pot Beef Taco Pasta, warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir often until heated through and creamy again. You can also microwave leftovers covered, stirring halfway for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is excellent for trapping sauce, you can swap in penne, macaroni, or fusilli just as well. Avoid very thin pastas that may overcook too quickly in this one-pot method.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, just replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian-friendly version.
How spicy is the dish?
The heat depends largely on your taco seasoning and the diced tomatoes with green chilies. You can adjust spiciness by choosing mild or hot seasonings and even adding fresh jalapeños if you want extra heat.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make it a day ahead and reheat gently. Just keep the cheese for last to melt in freshly, ensuring it tastes creamy and vibrant every time.
What can I pair with this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe for a complete meal?
Pair it with simple sides like a crisp salad, corn on the cob, or sautéed veggies. This creates a balanced plate with protein, carbs, and vegetables that the whole family will love.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is the perfect answer to busy nights when you want something quick, delicious, and wildly satisfying with minimal fuss. The way the flavors meld in just one pot, from the spicy beef to the cheesy pasta, guarantees smiles around the table. I cannot wait for you to try this recipe and make it a comforting staple in your weekly dinner rotation!
Print
One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner that combines seasoned ground beef, rotini pasta, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cheddar cheese cooked all in one skillet. The dish is infused with taco seasoning and simmered until the pasta is tender, making it a delicious and convenient meal perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 3 cups beef broth
Pasta and Toppings
- 2 cups rotini pasta, uncooked
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Season Meat: Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices and enhance their flavor.
- Add Liquids: Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Pasta and Boil: Add rotini pasta to the skillet. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the pasta.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve the pasta hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and calories.
- You can substitute rotini with any short pasta of your choice.
- Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot taco seasoning based on preference.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream when stirring in the cheese.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
