Juicy One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe: Fiesta in Every Bite

Crafting a mouthwatering one pot beef taco pasta brings together your favorite Mexican and Italian flavors in a single skillet.

Spices dance through tender pasta and seasoned ground beef, creating a magical meal that simplifies dinner prep.

Quick kitchen magic happens when comfort food meets convenience.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this simple yet delicious recipe that packs serious flavor punch.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

Protein-packed and satisfying, this dish will become your new go-to dinner solution.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those busy evenings when hunger strikes and time is short.

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta: Key Points To Know

• Quick and Simple Cooking: Dive into a straightforward recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Create a delightful treat that brings smiles to faces, ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunches with friends.
• Versatile Flavor Combination: Enjoy the perfect balance of sweet apples, warm spices, and sugary glaze that transforms a basic fritter into a mouthwatering delicacy.
• Comfort Food Favorite: Indulge in a classic dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia, delivering a satisfying crunch and sweet aroma that feels like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients For One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

• Ground Beef: Provides a rich, savory base for the taco-inspired pasta dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic foundation to the recipe.

• Taco Seasoning: Delivers classic Mexican-inspired spice blend to the dish.
• Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta.
• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture, tanginess, and tomato richness to the recipe.

• Uncooked Pasta: Serves as the primary carbohydrate component of the one-pot meal.

• Shredded Cheese: Provides creamy, melty texture and additional flavor.
• Sour Cream: Offers a cool, tangy finish to the dish.

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a bright, fresh herb note to complete the taco-inspired flavor profile.

Directions To Prepare One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until it turns a rich, golden brown. Carefully drain away any extra fat, ensuring a lean base for your meal.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook these flavor boosters until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Spice And Liquid Magic

• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce

Mix everything together, creating a vibrant, saucy foundation.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Directly In The Sauce

Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Creamy Cheese Finish

Remove pot from heat.

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream (optional)

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

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a bright, herbal touch.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Insider Advice For One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding mild/hot pepper varieties.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for alternative protein options.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like Mexican mix or pepper jack for enhanced flavor profiles.
• Prepare extra portions and store in airtight containers for quick meal prep during busy weekdays.

Flavor Options For One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

• Southwestern Spice Blast: Replace taco seasoning with homemade southwestern spice blend using smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder for deeper flavor profile.
• Chicken Fiesta Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Veggie Power Version: Replace meat with black beans and diced bell peppers for a vegetarian-friendly meal that keeps the zesty taco essence.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta and check taco seasoning ingredients to create a celiac-safe one-pot wonder.

Pairings That Match One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

• Fiesta Taco Pasta Bowl: Create a vibrant serving style by layering the pasta in individual bowls. Top with crispy tortilla strips, extra cheese, and a dollop of fresh salsa for a restaurant-style presentation.
• Taco Night Customization Station: Set up a toppings bar with chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, and crushed tortilla chips. Let everyone personalize their pasta with their favorite Mexican-inspired garnishes.
• Family-Style Comfort Platter: Transfer the pasta to a large, colorful serving platter. Sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of lime crema. Place in the center of the table for a communal dining experience that encourages sharing and connection.

Storage Ideas For One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the pasta covered to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm in microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little liquid to prevent sticking.
• When serving leftover pasta, sprinkle fresh cilantro, cheese, or sour cream to revive flavors and add a fresh touch to the reheated dish.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The taco seasoning provides mild to medium heat. You can adjust the spiciness by using mild taco seasoning or adding less of the packet.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly and creates a leaner version of this one-pot meal. Just ensure you brown the turkey thoroughly.

• Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?

No, add the entire can with its juice. The liquid helps cook the pasta and creates a rich, flavorful sauce.

• What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni are ideal. They hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the one-pot method.

One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory one pot beef taco pasta combines Mexican and Italian flavors for a quick family dinner. Hearty ingredients merge in a single skillet, delivering zesty comfort with minimal cleanup for hungry diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 2 cups (200 g) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat until it develops a rich, caramelized exterior, approximately 6-8 minutes. Eliminate surplus fat through careful draining.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their delicate flavors.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning generously, then incorporate beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, creating a robust and zesty foundation.
4. Fold uncooked pasta into the liquid mixture, ensuring each piece is submerged. Elevate heat to trigger a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Cover the pot and allow the pasta to cook undisturbed for 12-15 minutes, periodically checking for optimal tenderness and liquid absorption.
6. Once pasta reaches perfect consistency, remove from heat and integrate shredded cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy, luxurious texture.
7. Optional: Fold in a dollop of sour cream for added richness and tang.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, creating a vibrant and appetizing presentation. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or using a mild or hot variant for different taste preferences.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful meal.
• Opt for whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content and make the recipe more nutritionally balanced.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg