Easy One-Pot Taco Pasta Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses everyday ingredients to create a rich, flavorful taco-inspired pasta dinner.
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85–90% lean)
- 12 ounces uncooked medium pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce), or homemade seasoning
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, optional
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup water, plus more if needed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream, optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crushed tortilla chips
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice
Ingredient tip: Freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese because packaged shredded varieties often contain anti-caking ingredients. You can use either, depending on your preference and what you have available.
How to Make Easy One-Pot Taco Pasta
Follow these simple steps to prepare a hearty dinner with minimal cleanup.
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Place a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. If your pan tends to stick, add the olive oil and allow it to heat for a few seconds.
Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
If there is a large amount of excess grease, carefully drain it from the pan. Leaving a small amount behind can help carry the flavor into the sauce.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Garlic
Add the diced onion to the cooked beef. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Avoid cooking the garlic for too long, as it can burn and develop a bitter taste.
Step 3: Add the Taco Seasoning
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir until the meat is evenly coated.
Add the tomato paste and stir for approximately 1 minute. Cooking the tomato paste briefly helps deepen its flavor and gives the sauce a richer taste.
If you enjoy extra spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños at this stage.