Easy One Pot Beef Taco Pasta
If you love tacos and pasta, why not have the best of both worlds? This Easy One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a bold, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that brings everything you love about taco night into a single comforting meal. With tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite. Plus, it all comes together in just one pot—less mess, more flavor! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, satisfying meal. Grab your favorite toppings and let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 1 lb. Ground Beef – The main protein in this dish, adding a rich, hearty flavor. Use lean beef for less grease or regular for extra taste.
- 1 Onion (chopped) – Adds a mild, sweet flavor and extra depth to the dish.
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced) – Gives a bold, savory kick that makes everything taste better.
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced) – Adds a little sweetness, color, and a slight crunch.
- 2 tablespoons Flour – Helps thicken the sauce, making it creamy and rich.
- 1 Packet Taco Seasoning – A mix of spices like chili powder and cumin that gives this pasta its taco flavor.
- 1 (10 oz – Box) Pasta (dry) (use your favorite) – The base of the dish. Shells, rotini, or penne work great for holding the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste – Adds a rich, tangy tomato flavor to balance the spices.
- 2 cups Beef Broth – Cooking the pasta while adding a deep, savory taste.
- 1½ cups Water – Helps the pasta cook evenly and keeps the sauce just the right consistency.
- ½ cup Sour Cream – Makes the sauce creamy and adds a slight tangy flavor.
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded) – Melts into the pasta, making it extra cheesy and delicious. Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor!
EASY TACO PASTA IS A FAMILY FAVORITE MEAL:
- One-Pot Wonder – Less mess and easy cleanup make this a go-to meal for busy nights. Everything cooks in one pot, saving time and effort.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors – The cheesy, taco-seasoned pasta is a hit with both kids and adults, combining the best of tacos and pasta in one dish.
- Quick and Satisfying – Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty meal is perfect for feeding a hungry family without spending hours in the kitchen.
HOW TO MAKE BEEFY TACO PASTA SKILLET?
Time needed: 30 minutes
- Cook the Beef and Veggies:
In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, add the 1 lb. ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed. Add the 1 chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Add Pasta, Season and Liquid:
Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons flour, stirring well to coat the beef and veggies. Cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and 1 tablespoon tomato paste, mixing well to combine. Pour in 2 cups beef broth and 1½ cups water, stirring to blend everything together. Add the 10 oz. dry pasta and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. - Make it Cheesy:
Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream until fully combined. Add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. - Serve and Enjoy:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Stir in extra sour cream or a bit of cream cheese for an even richer, creamier texture.
Cook it just until al dente, and avoid over-stirring while it simmers.
Yes! Brown the beef, add the ingredients, and pressure cook on high for about 4 minutes, then quick release.
Any short pasta works well, like penne, rotini, or shells. They hold the sauce and flavors nicely.
CHEESY BEEFY TACO PASTA RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Swap the Meat – I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. If I want to go meatless, black beans or lentils work great too!
- Change Up the Pasta – I love using different pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. For a healthier twist, I swap in whole wheat or chickpea pasta.
- Make It Spicier – When I want extra heat, I add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce. A little chipotle powder also gives it a smoky kick!
- Use a Different Cheese – While cheddar is my go-to, I sometimes mix it up with pepper jack for spice or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. A Mexican cheese blend works great too.
- Go Dairy-Free – If I need a dairy-free version, I swap the sour cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Turn It Into a Casserole – I love baking leftovers! I transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle on extra cheese, and bake at 375°F until bubbly for a delicious taco pasta bake.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH BEEF TACO PASTA SKILLET?
Taco Pasta is a great meal for busy nights, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. It goes well with a simple salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. I like serving it with tortilla chips or Mexican-style corn for extra crunch. For drinks, iced tea, fruit punch, or milk are good choices for kids. If it’s a movie night, I make extra and add guacamole or salsa for dipping!
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER TACO-SEASONED PASTA SKILLET?
To store leftovers, let the taco pasta cool down completely before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out while reheating, and stir occasionally.
CAN LEFTOVER ONE-POT TACO PASTA BE FROZEN FOR LATER?
To freeze leftover taco pasta, let it cool down completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container with the date, so you know how long it’s been in the freezer. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
LOOKING FOR MORE LUNCH RECIPES? TRY THESE!
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Amazing Crispy Chicken Sandwiches: This recipe gives you perfectly seasoned, ultra-crispy chicken paired with fresh toppings and a soft bun for a sandwich that’s even better than your favorite drive-thru.
Effortless Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles: This quick meal is packed with savory flavors, tender ground beef, and perfectly cooked noodles, all coated in a rich, tangy sauce.
Easy One Pot Beef Taco Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 2 tablespoons Flour
- 1 Packet Taco Seasoning (2-3 tablespoons if you make your own)
- 1 (10 oz – Box) Pasta (dry)(use your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- 1½ cups Water
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, add the 1 lb. ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the 1 chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for about 3–4 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Thicken the Base: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons flour, stirring well to coat the beef and veggies. Cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and 1 tablespoon tomato paste, mixing well to combine.
- Add the Liquid and Pasta: Pour in 2 cups beef broth and 1½ cups water, stirring to blend everything together. Add the 10 oz. dry pasta and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Make it Creamy and Cheesy: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream until fully combined. Add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream!