If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food mash-up, Taco Pasta (One Pot) is a weeknight wonder that combines all the bold flavors of tacos with the cozy ease of a cheesy pasta dish. Imagine tender noodles enveloped in a savory beef and tomato sauce, studded with black beans, corn, and oodles of melty cheddar, all cooked together in one pot for minimal cleanup. It’s a meal that comes together quickly, satisfies a crowd, and will have everyone coming back for seconds—trust me, Taco Pasta (One Pot) has saved many of my busiest nights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Taco Pasta (One Pot) lies in its uncomplicated ingredient list—each staple brings a unique burst of taste, color, or texture that elevates the whole dish. Gather these essentials, and you’re halfway to dinner bliss!
- Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and rich flavor; swap with turkey or chicken for a lighter spin.
- Onion: Diced small so it melts into the sauce, giving sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Infuses every bite with aromatic warmth—don’t skip it!
- Taco Seasoning: The soul of the dish; brings zesty heat and classic taco taste.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Brightens everything with tang, juice, and a bit of zip.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds creaminess and ties the sauce together.
- Beef Broth: Gives the pasta bold, savory notes while cooking it to perfection right in the pot.
- Short Pasta (like penne or rotini): Catches all those flavorful bits and holds up well in the sauce.
- Corn Kernels: Pops of sweetness that play nicely against the spicy, cheesy elements.
- Black Beans: Earthy and filling, they taste great with the taco spices.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, giving you that irresistible oozy finish.
- Sour Cream: Swirled in at the end for tangy, luxurious creaminess.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For simple but important seasoning adjustments at the end.
- Fresh Cilantro and Sliced Jalapeños (optional): Add pops of freshness and a kick of heat as a finishing touch.
How to Make Taco Pasta (One Pot)
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion, stirring and breaking the meat up as it cooks. You’ll want the beef browned and the onion softened—this should take about 5–7 minutes. If there’s too much fat, carefully drain off the excess for a lighter sauce.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Taco Seasoning
Once your meat is golden and onions are tender, stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. This step only takes a minute, but it makes the kitchen smell incredible and ensures the seasoning coats every single bit of beef for maximum flavor in your Taco Pasta (One Pot).
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in your diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Give everything a really good stir to combine. Now, add your uncooked pasta straight into the pot—the broth and juices will cook it perfectly while absorbing all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cover. Let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice to prevent sticking. The pasta will swell, the sauce will thicken, and the aroma will start to draw family members into the kitchen—it’s all part of the magic of Taco Pasta (One Pot)!
Step 5: Stir in Corn, Beans, and Cheese
Once the pasta is al dente, add corn, black beans, and one cup of shredded cheddar. Stir well until the cheese is totally melted and the sauce is super creamy. This step makes the whole thing irresistible.
Step 6: Finish with Sour Cream & Toppings
Take the pot off the heat, then gently stir in the sour cream for silky, tangy richness. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Top with the last bit of cheddar so it melts just a little, then pile on cilantro and jalapeños if you want an extra flavor boost. Serve Taco Pasta (One Pot) bubbling hot—enjoy all those layers in every bite!
How to Serve Taco Pasta (One Pot)
Garnishes
This is your moment to have fun: Shower the top with fresh cilantro, a few sliced jalapeños for oomph, and extra cheddar for bonus meltiness. Even a squeeze of lime over each bowl wakes up all the flavors—don’t be shy!
Side Dishes
Taco Pasta (One Pot) is filling, but it loves a crunchy side. Try a simple green salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette, or serve crispy tortilla chips alongside for scooping. Elote-style grilled corn or a zesty cucumber salad bring even more freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party twist, serve the pasta in mini bowls or taco shells as hearty appetizers. Or, spoon hot Taco Pasta (One Pot) into a hollowed-out bell pepper and bake for an extra-savory stuffed veggie treat. Kids love topping individual bowls with crushed tortilla chips or a dollop of extra sour cream for a “DIY taco bar” feel!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Pasta (One Pot) is a lifesaver! Let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better.
Freezing
This pasta freezes beautifully. Divide leftovers into single portions, let them cool, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave covered portions in 1-minute bursts, stirring each time, until hot. On the stovetop, add a splash of broth or water and gently heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and everything is piping hot. The texture will be creamy as ever!
FAQs
Can I make Taco Pasta (One Pot) vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground meat, or add extra beans and corn. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a delicious meatless version of Taco Pasta (One Pot) that’s just as satisfying.
What type Main Course
Penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because they soak up the flavorful sauce and hold onto all the cheesy, beefy goodness. Feel free to use what you have on hand, just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust if needed.
Can I make it spicier?
Definitely! Spice it up by adding extra jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or using a hot taco seasoning. Serve with hot sauce on the side so everyone can customize their own Taco Pasta (One Pot) bowl to taste.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, Taco Pasta (One Pot) is perfect for feeding a crowd. Just use a bigger pot, double all the ingredients, and plan on a slightly longer cooking time as the pot will be fuller. Leftovers are always welcome!
Can I use other cheeses?
Go for it! While cheddar melts well and delivers classic flavor, feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra richness. This recipe is flexible and loves a cheesy experiment.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a hearty, family-style meal with loads of flavor and nearly zero fuss, Taco Pasta (One Pot) is calling your name. Pick up the ingredients, grab your favorite pot, and get ready for a dinner that’s as fun to make as it is to share. You might just find Taco Pasta (One Pot) becomes a regular superstar at your table!
Print
Taco Pasta (One Pot) Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Taco Pasta recipe combines the flavors of tacos with the ease of a one-pot pasta dish. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love, ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 oz short pasta (like penne or rotini)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- fresh cilantro
- sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 1 minute.
- Cook Pasta: Add diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in corn, black beans, and 1 cup cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Sprinkle with remaining cheese, garnish with cilantro and jalapeños if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- You can also top with crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
- Leftovers reheat well for quick lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
