Description
One-Pot Taco Pasta combines taco-night flavors with creamy pasta comfort in one pot. Beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes, green chiles, and melty cheese come together in a quick, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd with bold, cheesy flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup salsa or canned tomatoes with green chiles
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
3.5–4 cups low-sodium beef broth (start with 3.5 cups; add more as needed)
12 oz short pasta (shells, rotini, or cavatappi)
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half, optional
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 cup corn kernels, optional
Salt and black pepper to taste
Toppings:
Sliced green onions
Cilantro
Diced avocado
Sour cream
Jalapeños
Instructions
1. Heat a large pot over medium-high; cook beef with onion and a pinch of salt until browned, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in garlic and taco seasoning; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add tomato sauce and salsa; scrape bottom to release browned bits.
4. Pour in 3.5 cups broth and stir in pasta; bring to a strong simmer.
5. Reduce to medium-low, cover, and cook 10–14 minutes, stirring every 2–3 minutes. Add more broth if needed.
6. Stir in cream (optional) and cheese off heat until melted and glossy. Season to taste.
7. Top with green onions, cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado. Serve hot.
Notes
Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken; add olive oil if very lean.
Add black beans or pinto beans to stretch servings.
Use gluten-free or whole grain pasta; adjust liquid as needed.
Stir in cashew cream or coconut milk for dairy-free creaminess.
Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520-620
- Fat: 22-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 48-56 g
- Protein: 28-34 g