If you’re looking for a meal that’s all about comfort, flavor, and convenience, you’ve found it with this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe. Imagine the satisfying heartiness of taco-seasoned ground beef mingling with tender pasta and a creamy cheesy sauce, all cooked in a single pot to keep things simple and cleanup minimal. This dish is the perfect way to bring everyone together around a steaming bowl of cheesy, saucy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving a cozy dinner for yourself, this recipe checks all the boxes for taste and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this recipe are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and come together to build layers of deliciousness—from the rich, seasoned beef to the melty cheese that binds everything into a luscious pasta dish. Each component plays a crucial role in making this recipe truly shine, balancing texture, heat, and creaminess perfectly.
- Olive oil: Adds a smooth base for cooking the beef without overpowering flavors.
- Ground beef (or ground turkey): Provides hearty protein and classic taco flavor.
- Small onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a fragrant, savory backbone.
- Taco seasoning packet: Delivers that unmistakable bold and spicy taco vibe.
- Beef broth: Introduces depth and moisture while cooking the pasta.
- Canned diced tomatoes with green chiles: Adds juiciness and a touch of gentle heat.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a rich, saucy consistency that melds all flavors.
- Uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni: The perfect tender vehicle for soaking up the sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy perfection for cheesy comfort.
- Sour cream: Adds a smooth tanginess that balances spices wonderfully.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring everything to life.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Offers a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown Your Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s thoroughly browned and deliciously crumbly. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too oily. Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, letting them soften and release their aromas for about 2 to 3 minutes—this is where the flavor base really starts to build.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Liquids
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, making sure every morsel of beef gets that signature spice kick. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and tomato sauce, stirring to combine all ingredients beautifully. This mix will form the hearty sauce your pasta cooks in, so be generous with stirring to prevent sticking and clumping.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Finally, stir in the uncooked pasta—shells or elbow macaroni work great here. Bring everything to a lively boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the pasta from sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed into that flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Sour Cream
Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Watch as they melt and swirl into the hot pasta, creating a luxuriously creamy finish. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed to make this dish sing. This final step elevates your One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe into a rich, decadent meal that’s irresistible.
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little fresh green cilantro on top brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise, offering a pop of color and herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. If you love a bit of heat, consider a sprinkle of chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick it up a notch. Sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice also works wonderfully as a cooling partner for the bold taco flavors.
Side Dishes
This cheesy taco pasta stands strong on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out your meal. A crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette adds crunch and acidity that complements the creamy pasta. Alternatively, some warm tortilla chips with guacamole or a side of steamed corn enhance the Tex-Mex vibe and provide extra texture and flavor variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve this pasta in individual ramekins topped with a colorful dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of scallions or chopped tomatoes. If you’re hosting a casual dinner, a big rustic bowl set in the center encourages family-style sharing. Another fun idea is to stuff bell peppers with the cheesy taco pasta and bake them for a festive, handheld meal presentation that’s both impressive and portable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled and reheat well before serving to enjoy the same gooey, flavorful experience. You might notice the sauce thickens after sitting, so a quick splash of broth or water helps loosen it up when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save this meal for longer, freezing is a great option. Freeze fully cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Though texture might soften a bit upon thawing, the flavors mellow wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort meal for busy days.
Reheating
For the best results, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or water if needed to keep it creamy and smooth. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring to maintain that cheesy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey makes for a lighter alternative without sacrificing any of the classic taco flavors. Just follow the recipe the same way, and you’ll have a delicious, leaner version of this crowd-pleaser.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Pasta shells or elbow macaroni are ideal because their shape holds the sauce beautifully. However, small pasta shapes like rotini or penne can also work if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The heat level is mild to moderate, mostly from the taco seasoning and green chiles in the canned tomatoes. You can easily tailor the spice with milder or hotter seasoning blends, or by adding jalapeños if you want more kick.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes! Black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers are fantastic additions that boost color, nutrition, and texture. Toss them in along with the tomatoes for a heartier, veggie-packed meal.
How do I make homemade taco seasoning for this recipe?
You can mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to create your own seasoning blend. This is a great way to control the flavors and avoid additives found in some packets.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe enough for those nights when you want something quick, satisfying, and downright delicious. It brings together the best of Tex-Mex flavors with the comfort of cheesy pasta, all while keeping your kitchen mess-free. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation—comfort food doesn’t get much better than this.
Print
One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and easy Tex-Mex inspired meal that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s packed with bold taco flavors and melts in your mouth cheesy goodness, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Pasta & Dairy
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Additional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and tomato sauce. Then add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Make It Cheesy: Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can add black beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, stir in chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
