Sizzling One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe – Family Favorite

Crafting a delightful one pot beef taco pasta brings together the zesty flavors of Mexican-inspired cuisine with comforting pasta goodness.

Spices dance through tender beef and perfectly cooked noodles, creating a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that pack maximum flavor.

Busy families appreciate recipes combining protein, carbohydrates, and bold seasonings in a single skillet.

Kitchen chaos disappears when you can prepare a complete meal without multiple pots and complicated techniques.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying conversation around the dinner table.

Curious cooks will love how quickly this hearty dish comes together with pantry staples and straightforward ingredients.

Taco Pasta Ingredients for One Pot Wonders

• Ground Beef: A savory and hearty meat that provides the main protein for this one-pot meal.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and aromatic flavors to the dish.
• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that brings classic Mexican-inspired taste to the pasta.

• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the pasta while helping to cook the pasta.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provide additional moisture and a fresh tomato flavor to the dish.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a smooth, rich base for the pasta sauce.
• Pasta: The core ingredient that serves as the foundation of this one-pot meal.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creaminess and a melty texture to the dish.
• Sour Cream: Optional ingredient that brings a tangy and creamy element.
• Fresh Cilantro: A garnish that adds a fresh, bright flavor and visual appeal.

Taco Pasta Cooking Steps for Success

Step 1: Brown Beef

Heat a large pot over medium flame.

Cook ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains.

Carefully drain off any excess fat from the meat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot.

Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture.

Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce.

Stir everything together until well combined and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot.

Gently stir to ensure pasta is coated with the sauce.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Goodness

Remove pot from heat.

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream

Stir until cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Secrets to Perfect Taco Pasta Every Time

• Use a colander or paper towels to remove excess beef fat, ensuring a lighter, less greasy dish.
• Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to create a creamy, smooth texture.
• Toast taco seasoning in the pot for 30 seconds before adding liquid to intensify flavor depth.
• Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Replace cheese and sour cream with nutritional yeast or dairy-free alternatives for a vegan version.

Creative Variations for Taco Pasta Night

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version that maintains the same zesty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and verify taco seasoning is gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly meal that doesn't compromise taste.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning to increase heat level and create a more intense southwestern-style pasta dish.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic taco pasta essence.

Plating Taco Pasta for Extra Appeal

• Fiesta Plate Perfection: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and extra shredded cheese on top for a vibrant pop of color and flavor.
• Taco Night Upgrade: Serve alongside crispy tortilla chips, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of guacamole for a complete Mexican-inspired meal.
• Family-Style Feast: Place the entire pot in the center of the table with small bowls of toppings like diced green onions, salsa, and extra sour cream, letting everyone customize their serving.
• Quick Weeknight Companion: Pair with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty pasta dish and add a fresh, zesty element.

Taco Pasta Storage for Next Day Lunches

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of beef broth to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and enjoy a lighter version of the dish.

• Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?

No, add the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juice. The liquid helps cook the pasta and adds extra flavor to the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The taco seasoning provides mild to moderate spice. If you prefer less heat, use a mild taco seasoning or reduce the amount. For more kick, add extra seasoning or include some diced jalapeños.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap regular pasta for a gluten-free pasta variety like rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Ensure your taco seasoning is also gluten-free.

Beef Taco Pasta Fiesta Reasons to Savor

• Customize Your Comfort: The recipe welcomes creativity with easy mix-ins like corn, black beans, or jalapeños, letting you personalize the flavor to your family's taste.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the zesty taco-inspired pasta that combines familiar, crowd-pleasing ingredients in one satisfying dish.
• Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Perfect for beginners or busy home cooks, this recipe needs just basic chopping and stirring, making it approachable for anyone wanting a delicious dinner.

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty One Pot Beef Taco Pasta delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with zesty spices and cheesy goodness. Busy home cooks will savor this quick, satisfying meal that brings family together around a single skillet of deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 2 cups (224 grams) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat, eliminating any surplus grease for a cleaner dish.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic.
3. Generously sprinkle taco seasoning, then introduce beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, blending thoroughly to create a robust flavor profile.
4. Gently fold in uncooked pasta, ensuring each piece is coated with the savory sauce, then elevate heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover the pot, and allow the pasta to simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Once pasta reaches al dente perfection, remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese, creating a creamy, melted texture.
7. If desired, swirl in a dollop of sour cream for additional richness and tang.
8. Finish by scattering fresh, chopped cilantro across the top for a bright, herbaceous garnish.
9. Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the cheese remains gloriously melted.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting taco seasoning or using a mild version for kids.
• For a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice pasta.
• Transform this into a vegetarian meal by replacing beef with plant-based ground meat or black beans for protein.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg