Description

One Pot Taco Pasta is a fast, family-friendly dinner with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta cooked right in the sauce, and a cheesy finish—all made in one pot.

This easy weeknight recipe tastes like taco night meets pasta night, with bold spices, tomatoes, and melty cheddar in every bite.

Pinterest-friendly tip: Save this One Pot Taco Pasta for later—it’s a quick one-pot meal with taco seasoning, ground beef, diced tomatoes, and cheesy pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes, with juices
3 cups beef broth (or water)
8 oz (225 g) short pasta (rotini, shells, elbows)
1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
1 cup frozen corn (optional)
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1/2 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 lime, cut into wedges (finish)
Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions, for topping (optional)
Crushed tortilla chips or jalapeños, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks
2. Drain excess fat if needed, then add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened
3. Stir in garlic and cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant
4. Add taco seasoning and tomato paste if using, stirring 30 seconds to toast the spices
5. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and broth, scraping up any browned bits, and bring to a gentle boil
6. Stir in pasta, reduce to a steady simmer, cover and cook 10–14 minutes, stirring every couple minutes to prevent sticking
7. If using beans or corn, stir them in during the last 2–3 minutes so they heat through
8. Turn off heat and stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt if using until creamy
9. Add shredded cheese and stir until fully melted and glossy
10. Taste and adjust seasoning, then squeeze lime over the top
11. Serve with cilantro, green onions, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips if desired

Notes

Stir often once pasta is added to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking
If the pot dries out before pasta is tender, add 1/4 cup broth and continue simmering
If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered 2–4 minutes to reduce
Add cheese off the heat to prevent grainy texture and keep the sauce creamy
Taco seasoning varies by brand; start with less if yours is salty and adjust at the end
This dish thickens as it sits; add a splash of broth when reheating
Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well as substitutes for beef
Top with lime, cilantro, and chips for the best taco-night vibe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 560
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 980 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 6 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg

Keywords: One Pot Taco Pasta, taco pasta, one pot dinner, cheesy taco pasta, easy weeknight meal