Name: One Pot Beef Taco Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade); 2 cups beef broth; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

On those busy nights when dinner needs to be fast, flavorful, and fuss-free, this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta swoops in like a hero. It combines the comfort of pasta, the bold spices of taco night, and the simplicity of a one-pan dish into a meal that feels indulgent without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just craving something hearty, this dish checks all the boxes.

The beauty of this pasta is how effortlessly it all comes together. Juicy ground beef gets browned with taco seasoning, then it simmers with pasta in a savory tomato base until everything is tender and infused with flavor. Add in some melty cheese at the end and you’ve got a Tex-Mex-inspired pasta dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

It’s the best of both worlds: taco night and pasta night rolled into one. With just one pot needed, cleanup is a breeze, making it perfect for weeknights. The ingredients are pantry staples, it feeds a crowd, and you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best in Taco Pasta?

Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work great because they hold onto the sauce and cook evenly. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine for this one. The key is choosing something that absorbs the bold taco flavors and gets coated in that cheesy, spiced sauce.

Ingredients for the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

This dish is all about ease, and that starts with simple, familiar ingredients that come together to deliver huge flavor.

Ground beef: Rich and hearty, this is the base of the dish and brings the savory taco flavor.
Taco seasoning: Use a packet or homemade for bold spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika.
Tomato sauce: Gives the pasta a saucy, savory base and melds beautifully with the seasoning.
Rotini pasta: Holds sauce in its spirals and cooks perfectly in one pot.
Beef broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce while helping cook the pasta.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the dish for that creamy, cheesy finish everyone loves.
Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and savory flavor as it sautés with the beef.
Garlic: Boosts the savory notes and rounds out the flavor.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the onion and garlic until just golden.

How To Make the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add diced onion and cook until soft, then stir in the minced garlic until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in the taco seasoning.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a light simmer.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the rotini pasta. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the pasta and become creamy.

Step 6: Serve

Scoop into bowls and serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips.

Serving and Storing One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

This comforting dish feeds about 4 to 6 people generously, making it great for families or leftovers. If you have any remaining, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, or microwave it for a quick lunch.

What to Serve With One Pot Beef Taco Pasta?

Mexican Street Corn Salad

The creamy, zesty flavors of elote-style corn pair perfectly with the spices in taco pasta.

Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls

A crunchy, cheesy appetizer that adds heat and texture alongside your main dish.

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh and light, it balances the richness of the pasta with juicy tomatoes and mozzarella .

Guacamole and Chips

A simple and crowd-pleasing starter that complements the Tex-Mex vibe.

Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing

Drizzle it over a salad or spoon a bit over your pasta for an extra pop of flavor.

Roasted Zucchini and Squash

A simple veggie side that brings freshness and color to the plate .

Fresh Pineapple Salsa

Adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory, cheesy pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta, you’ll want to check out more hearty and delicious dinner options:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a vegetarian twist packed with flavor.
One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni when you’re craving ultra-comforting pasta.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you like a little heat with your creaminess.
Creamy Mushroom Ravioli for a luscious, earthy bite.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in some black beans or corn? Did you top it with jalapeños or go all in on the cheese?

I love seeing the creative ways you all customize these one-pot meals. Don’t be shy — ask questions and share your tips below.

Explore even more weeknight comfort meals and health-forward recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and keep your inspiration flowing!