If you are craving a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the zest of tacos with the coziness of pasta, then this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully easy recipe that combines savory ground beef simmered with taco seasoning, tender pasta cooked right in the sauce, and a creamy finish of cheddar cheese and sour cream. This one-pot wonder not only saves you on cleanup but also delivers layers of deliciousness in every bite, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple with ingredients that are staple in many kitchens but come together brilliantly to create a rich and satisfying dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the flavors, textures, and vibrant colors that make this meal so inviting.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base that brings savory richness to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects a fragrant warmth that elevates the beef.
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning: That signature blend spices up the whole pot beautifully.
- 2 cups beef broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that keeps the pasta moist and tasty.
- 1 cup salsa: Brings tangy tomato notes and a subtle kick to the sauce.
- 1 cup water: Balances the liquid ratio for pasta to cook perfectly.
- 8 oz uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni: The comforting starch that soaks up all the tasty juices.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds melty, creamy texture that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Provides a cool, luscious finish to the rich sauce.
- Optional toppings (chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro): Fresh garnishes that brighten each serving with color and crunch.
How to Make One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Start by warming a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef along with the diced onion. Cook them together until the beef is fully browned and the onion has softened and turned translucent. This forms the hearty flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasoning
Once the beef and onion are ready, drain any excess fat from the pot. Add in the minced garlic and the taco seasoning packet, stirring everything for about one minute until the mixture becomes wonderfully fragrant. This quick step ensures all those spices bloom perfectly.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth, salsa, and water, bringing the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Then, add the uncooked pasta, making sure to stir and submerge the pasta fully. Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking until the pasta is tender and infused with all the rich flavors.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Sour Cream
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese along with the sour cream. Stir until both melt into a creamy, luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta and morsel of beef. This final step yields a gooey, comforting finish you’ll swoon over.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Your One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe is now ready to delight your taste buds! Add your favorite optional toppings to add freshness, color, and a little textural contrast.
How to Serve One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can transform this dish from homey to restaurant-worthy in minutes. Chopped green onions add a mild onion crunch, diced tomatoes bring juicy acidity, and fresh cilantro offers a bright, herbal lift that perfectly complements the warm spices.
Side Dishes
This pasta is quite flavorful on its own, but pairing it with a light side like a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables balances the meal with some freshness and extra texture. Cornbread or warm tortillas can also be fun sides to keep with the taco-inspired theme.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe in hollowed-out bell peppers or small baking dishes topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden. Or scoop portions into tortilla bowls for lively visual appeal and added crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more, making for a fantastic next-day meal that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, too – just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps bring back the creamy texture and keeps it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will absorb the taco seasoning flavor just as nicely as beef.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Small shapes like shells, elbow macaroni, or even small penne work best because they cook evenly and hold onto the sauce nicely.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends mostly on your taco seasoning and salsa choices. You can pick mild or hot versions to suit your taste or add extra chili for a kick.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prep the meat and some ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best cooked fresh to keep the pasta at its ideal texture.
What can I add for extra veggies?
Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans when you add the liquids to boost nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the ease and heartiness of the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of two beloved comfort foods that comes together quickly and with minimal fuss, perfect for busy evenings or when you want to feed a crowd without the stress. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone seeking a warm, satisfying, and flavorful meal — I hope you love it as much as I do!
Print
One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta combines the bold flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef with tender pasta, all cooked together in a single pot for a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal. Finished with creamy cheddar cheese and sour cream, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that brings a Tex-Mex twist to traditional pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat to prepare it for cooking the beef and onion.
- Brown the Meat and Onion: Add the ground beef and diced onion to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion has softened.
- Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning: Drain any excess fat from the pot. Then add the minced garlic and taco seasoning packet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the seasoning is well mixed in.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, salsa, and water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta becomes tender.
- Finish with Cheese and Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until they are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the taco pasta into bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro. Serve warm.
Notes
- This recipe can be customized by using different types of pasta, like penne or rotini.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- To make it lighter, substitute ground turkey for beef and use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- To keep the pasta from sticking during cooking, stir occasionally.
