This delicious One Pot Taco Pasta recipe combines the comfort of pasta with the exciting flavors of taco night, making it the perfect choice for an easy dinner that the entire family will love, especially during those busy nights!
This dish has everything you’d expect in a good beef taco. Ground beef browned with taco seasoning? Check. Fragrant minced garlic? Check. Chunky tomato salsa? Check yet again. But instead of loading these ingredients into tortillas, you simmer them in a saucepan with pasta shells and beef broth until all those zesty flavors melt and fuse together.
Then all you have to do is melt some shredded cheese into the mixture, sprinkle on some cilantro, and serve. It’s got all the flavor of taco night with only one pan to clean up.
This Taco Pasta should be allowed to cool to room temperature before storing. Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and used within 3-4 days.
Yes! Substitute the beef with a can of black beans or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
You can make your own using a blend of garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Adjust the spices to your taste preference. I also have a homemade taco season recipe!
Stir in some sour cream or cream cheese just before serving to create a richer, creamy sauce.
Email Me This Recipe!
Need to save time? Have this article emailed straight to your inbox + sign up for all the latest recipes!
You can also freeze these leftovers for up to 4 months but be aware that freezing and thawing noodles may affect their texture. Depending on the quality of noodle and the time it is stored, it may become mushy or soggy when reheated.
Substitutions: You can use ground turkey or ground chicken as a healthier alternative to ground beef. Both maintain the delicious flavors of tacos while reducing the fat content.
Cheese Varieties: If marbled cheddar isn’t available, try using a Mexican blend or pepper jack for a spicier touch. Mixing in some cream cheese can add a creamy texture to the sauce.
Pasta Choices: While pasta shells are recommended, feel free to use any small pasta you have on hand. Just ensure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta so it cooks evenly.
Cooking Pasta: Aim for ‘al dente’ pasta by cooking it just enough to retain a slight chew. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy, especially if you plan on reheating leftovers.
Boosting Flavors: Add green chiles or chili powder for an extra kick. A dash of hot sauce or your own homemade taco seasoning can also enhance the taco flavors.
Garnishing: Besides cilantro, consider topping with green onions, extra cheese, or your favorite taco toppings to personalize each plate.
Serving: Serve this hearty meal with simple side dishes like a green salad or steamed vegetables to round out dinner.
One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe
- Place the ground beef in a large saucepan on the stove and sprinkle with the taco seasoning packet.
- Brown over medium heat until cooked through, crumbling and mixing as you cook, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off and discard any excess grease.
- Add in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute or until fragrant.
- Stir in the salsa and beef broth, and then bring to a boil.
- Pour in the pasta and stir well, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through but not mushy. Be sure to stir frequently so that nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the pasta is finished, turn off the heat and stir in the marbled cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with minced cilantro, optional.
More Easy Mexican Recipes We Love
click the stars to rate!
Easy One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe
This delicious One Pot Taco Pasta recipe combines the comfort of pasta with the exciting flavors of taco night, making it the perfect choice dinner.
Email this recipe!
Get this recipe emailed straight to your inbox!
Prevent your screen from going dark
-
Place the ground beef in a large saucepan on the stove and sprinkle with the taco seasoning packet.
-
Brown over medium heat until cooked through, crumbling and mixing as you cook, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Drain off and discard any excess grease.
-
Add in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute or until fragrant.
-
Stir in the salsa and beef broth, and then bring to a boil.
-
Pour in the pasta and stir well, then reduce to a simmer.
-
Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through but not mushy. Be sure to stir frequently so that nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
-
Once the pasta is finished, turn off the heat and stir in the marbled cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined.
-
Serve hot, garnished with minced cilantro, optional.
Calories: 720kcal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 2770mg | Potassium: 1132mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1857IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 492mg | Iron: 6mg
Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Sharing of this recipe is encouraged and appreciated. Copying of full recipe to any social media is prohibited.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Make sure to share it with me below!