One Pot Beef Taco Pasta: Incredible 30 Minute Dinner

You need a dinner that satisfies everyone without leaving a mountain of dishes in your sink. This recipe brings together the bold flavors of a taco with the cozy comfort of a warm pasta dish. I started making this on those crazy busy Tuesdays when soccer practice and piles of homework took over the entire evening. It quickly became a staple in my house because it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. You only need one big skillet or a pot which makes cleanup a total breeze. Let us dive into how you can get this delicious meal on your table tonight.

Why You Will Love This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

This dish is a total lifesaver for anyone trying to balance a hectic schedule. You do not have to boil the pasta in a separate pot which saves you time and cuts down on water. The starch from the pasta stays right in the pot and creates a naturally creamy sauce that clings to every single bite. I have refined this recipe over years of family dinners to make sure the beef stays juicy and the spices are perfectly balanced. It is a reliable meal that is high in protein and even the pickiest eaters will love it.

A Family Favorite

I have served this to kids and adults alike and it never fails to impress. You can easily change the heat level by picking a mild or spicy taco seasoning. If you have kids who really dislike onions or peppers you can dice them up very finely. They will melt right into the sauce so you get all the nutrition without any texture issues for the little ones.

Essential Ingredients for One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

You probably have most of these ingredients sitting in your kitchen right now. Using fresh ingredients along with your pantry staples ensures you get the very best flavor profile.

• 1 pound lean ground beef. I think 90/10 is the best choice to avoid too much grease.
• 1 small yellow onion that you have diced up.
• 2 cloves of garlic minced fine.
• 1 packet of taco seasoning or about 3 tablespoons of your own homemade blend.
• 2 cups of beef broth. Low sodium is great so you can control the salt yourself.
• 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
• 8 ounces of dry pasta. I like rotini or shells or even penne.
• 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Some fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for the top.

Choosing the Right Pasta Shape

Short and sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or medium shells are perfect for this recipe. These shapes have all those little nooks and crannies that hold onto the ground beef and that cheesy sauce. Try to avoid long noodles like spaghetti because they can clump together when you cook them directly in the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Follow these simple steps to make sure your meal turns out perfectly every time. The total cook time is only about 20 to 25 minutes.

1. Brown the Beef

Put your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and the diced onions. Cook it until the beef is no longer pink and make sure to break it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain off any extra fat from the pan so it is not greasy.

2. Season and Deglaze

Stir in your minced garlic and the taco seasoning. Cook that for about 1 minute until it smells amazing. Pour in the beef broth and the canned tomatoes with all their juices. Use your spoon to scrape any of those tasty browned bits off the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.

3. Simmer the Pasta

Add your dry pasta into the pot. Give it a stir to make sure the pasta is mostly covered by the liquid. Bring it all to a boil and then turn the heat down to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it every now and then so the pasta does not stick to the bottom.

4. Melt the Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is gone you can turn off the heat. Stir in your shredded cheese until everything is melted and creamy. Serve it up immediately with all your favorite toppings.

Expert Tips for the Best One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

The biggest worry with one-pot meals is usually the texture of the pasta. To avoid getting mushy results you should start checking the pasta two minutes before the package directions say it should be done. It should be al dente which means it still has a little bit of a bite to it. If the liquid evaporates too fast before the pasta is finished just add another quarter cup of broth. If it looks a bit too liquidy you can just simmer it without the lid for the last few minutes.

How to Store and Reheat One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

This recipe makes for some excellent leftovers for lunch the next day. Store any extra pasta in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. When you go to reheat it just add a little splash of water or milk before you put it in the microwave. This helps loosen up the sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out. I do not recommend freezing this dish because the pasta texture can get a bit grainy when it thaws out.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes you can. Ground turkey or ground chicken works perfectly as a leaner choice. You might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan when you are browning the meat because turkey does not have as much natural fat as beef does.

Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level is really up to you and depends on the taco seasoning and tomatoes you choose. For a mild version just use mild taco seasoning and plain diced tomatoes instead of the ones with green chilies.

What are the best toppings for this pasta?

You should treat this just like a taco. I highly recommend some fresh cilantro and a big dollop of sour cream or maybe some sliced jalapeños and diced avocado. A little squeeze of fresh lime juice right before you eat really makes the flavors pop.

Nutritional Information for One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

This recipe serves about 4 people. These values are estimates based on using standard ingredients.

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Total Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg

Print