Print

One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta

 

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution—easy, quick, and packed with flavor. This dish combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and bold taco seasonings in a creamy, cheesy sauce. With everything cooked in a single pot, cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for busy evenings. Each bite delivers the comforting richness of pasta with the zesty kick of a taco, creating a meal your whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale
    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
    • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
    • 2 cups beef broth
    • 1 cup tomato sauce
    • 8 oz uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or macaroni work well)
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/4 cup sour cream
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking the beef)
    • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights

    • Ground Beef: Provides a hearty and savory base for the dish. You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
    • Taco Seasoning: Adds the signature taco flavor. Feel free to use homemade or store-bought seasoning.
    • Pasta: Use a short pasta shape like rotini, penne, or macaroni for the best texture and easy mixing.
    • Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella create a creamy, melty topping that brings the dish together.
    • Beef Broth: Adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks in the same pot.
    • Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: Provide a rich and tangy base for the taco-inspired sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Base:

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat (optional if the beef isn’t very lean). Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.

Add the Seasoning and Liquid:

  1. Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir until evenly coated.
  2. Pour in the Liquids: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
  2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Finish the Dish:

  1. Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
  2. Incorporate Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream for extra creaminess and to balance the spices.
  3. Season to Taste: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Nutrition