One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Name: One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning); 2 cups beef broth (or water); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as rotini or penne); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup milk (optional, for creaminess); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Isabella

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One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines the savory flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and is packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a total crowd-pleaser. It brings together all the comforting elements of a hearty pasta dish and the bold, zesty flavors of tacos. What makes it even better is that it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less mess and less stress! The ground beef absorbs the taco seasoning, making the pasta flavorful with every bite, while the melted cheese gives the dish that irresistible creaminess. Whether I’m cooking for myself or for my family, this recipe always hits the spot. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable, and I can add my favorite toppings like cilantro or green onions for that fresh kick.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)

2 cups beef broth (or water)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

2 cups uncooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Directions

In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Stir in the taco seasoning, beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and uncooked pasta. Mix everything together.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy. For extra creaminess, I like to add a splash of milk.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor before serving. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a little milk or broth to bring back some of the creamy texture. Alternatively, I can microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Related Recipes:

Creamy Parmesan One-Pot Chicken and Rice

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, I can definitely swap the ground beef for ground turkey if I prefer a leaner option. The taco seasoning will still provide plenty of flavor!

Can I make this recipe spicy?

If I like things on the spicier side, I can add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef while cooking. I can also use a spicy taco seasoning mix to kick up the heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, I can replace the ground beef with a plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu. The taco seasoning will still provide all the flavor needed.

What other cheese can I use?

If I’m looking to switch up the cheese, I can use a combination of other melting cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra richness.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

While this dish is best served fresh, I can make it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to reheat it gently, adding a bit of liquid to keep it creamy.

Conclusion

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is the perfect meal for when I need something quick, tasty, and comforting. With its deliciously cheesy texture and bold taco flavor, it’s sure to become a regular in my weeknight dinner rotation. Plus, the fact that it’s all made in one pot makes cleanup a breeze.