One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
If you love the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine combined with the comfort of a pasta dish, you’re going to be obsessed with this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe. It brings together seasoned ground beef, tangy salsa, and tender pasta all cooked in a single pot, making dinnertime both flavorful and effortless. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with that irresistible taco zest without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with pantry staples that each play a crucial role in delivering layers of flavor, chewy pasta texture, and a creamy finish. Every ingredient complements the others to create a dish that feels both familiar and exciting.
- Ground beef: The savory base providing rich flavor and satisfying protein for the dish.
- Small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth as it softens while cooking.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Gives a fragrant punch that wakes up the beef with every bite.
- Taco seasoning packet (1 oz): The key to that distinctive Mexican-inspired spice blend, adding warmth and zest.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Creates a flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with meaty goodness.
- Salsa (1 cup): Brings a tangy, slightly smoky element that brightens the entire dish.
- Water (1 cup): Helps ensure the pasta cooks through and maintains the perfect saucy consistency.
- Uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni (8 oz): Tender pasta that soaks up all the delicious flavors during cooking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into a creamy blanket that ties everything together.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds smooth tanginess and richness to finish the dish beautifully.
- Optional toppings: Chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro for extra freshness and color.
How to Make One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onion and cook until the beef is nicely browned and the onion has softened. This step builds a rich flavor base—make sure you break the beef into small pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning
Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat, then stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook this mixture for about a minute until you can smell the spices blooming—that fragrant hint sets the tone for the entire dish.
Step 3: Combine Liquids and Pasta
Next, pour in the beef broth, salsa, and water, stirring everything together to bring those flavors into a harmonious blend. Add in your uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni, making sure they’re fully submerged in the liquid. This is the magic step where the pasta cooks right in the flavorful mixture, absorbing all the seasonings.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a savory, saucy consistency.
Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Sour Cream
Turn the heat down to low and fold in your shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Stir until the cheese has melted completely and the sour cream has blended in, creating a creamy, luscious texture that makes every bite indulgent and comforting.
How to Serve One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the dish and add fresh crunch, sprinkle chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro on top. These garnishes pack a punch of freshness and vibrant color that pairs beautifully with the creamy, hearty pasta.
Side Dishes
This one pot wonder is hearty on its own, but you can round out the meal with simple sides like a crisp garden salad, tortilla chips, or roasted vegetables. These options balance the richness and keep the meal feeling fresh and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in small, individual bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Or, scoop it into crispy taco shells or bell peppers for playful handheld options that work great for gatherings or picky eaters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the dish, but for best results, leave out the sour cream and cheese until reheating. Store cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Stir in fresh cheese and sour cream after warming to recapture that creamy, just-made texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and creates a leaner version of the dish without sacrificing flavor, especially when paired with the taco seasoning and salsa.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Small shapes like shells, elbow macaroni, or even rotini are perfect because they cook evenly and hold onto the sauce nicely, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious, meat-free version.
Is it spicy?
The level of spice depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. For milder flavors, opt for a mild seasoning and salsa; for heat lovers, choose spicy versions or add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne.
Can I prepare this in advance and reheat?
Definitely. This recipe tastes great reheated, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Just store it properly and remember to add a bit of liquid when warming up to keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about a dish that’s both effortless and packed with crowd-pleasing flavor like this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe. Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, this recipe guarantees smiles, satisfied appetites, and a warm, comforting meal you’ll want to make over and over. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a zesty salsa sauce. Cooked entirely in one pot, it delivers a creamy and cheesy twist on classic taco flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onion has softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Drain excess fat from the pot. Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the seasoning is well combined with the beef mixture.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, salsa, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer to combine the flavors and slightly reduce.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Incorporate Cheese and Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until fully melted and creamy, creating a rich sauce that coats the pasta and beef evenly.
- Serve: Serve the taco pasta warm, garnishing with optional toppings such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use a hot salsa or add diced jalapeños when cooking the beef.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- To make this recipe gluten free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the taco seasoning is gluten free.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a microwave or stovetop and may thicken; add a splash of water or broth to loosen.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
