If you love bold flavors mingling with gooey, melty cheese and crave a quick, downright satisfying meal, this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a hearty, taco-seasoned ground beef base combined with tender pasta and an irresistible cheese blend, all cooked in a single pot for minimal fuss and maximum comfort. It’s speedy, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent for weeknights when you want something comforting without the hassle. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at taco night—or pasta night—the same way again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, approachable ingredients is all you need to create this flavorful dish. Each part plays an essential role: from the savory ground beef grounding the taste, to the vibrant tomatoes adding juiciness and color, and the cheese delivering that creamy, dreamy finish.
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey): The hearty protein base that carries all the taco flavors perfectly.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens into the mix.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of savory aroma and taste that wakes up the dish.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning): The star blend that infuses the pasta with classic taco spices.
- 2 cups beef broth (or water): Provides the liquid for cooking the pasta and adds extra richness when using broth.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Brings freshness and a touch of acidity for balance.
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce: Adds body and a luscious tomato base to the sauce.
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini or penne): The chewy, comforting carb that soaks up all those spicy, cheesy juices.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Classic sharpness that melts into creamy goodness.
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds smoothness and helps create a beautiful cheese pull.
- 1/2 cup milk (optional): For an extra creamy touch, though you can skip if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional): Gives a bright, fresh contrast and a pop of color on top.
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks so it browns evenly and develops that rich, savory flavor foundation. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from feeling too heavy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic right into the pot with the beef. Cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften just enough to release their natural sweetness and aroma without losing their shape. This step layers in important flavors that will mingle beautifully with the taco seasoning.
Step 3: Combine the Taco Flavors and Pasta
Now it’s time to turn the mixture into that irresistible taco pasta magic. Add the taco seasoning, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato sauce straight into the pan. Then stir in the uncooked pasta until everything is well mixed. This combination will soon transform into a saucy, comforting casserole right in your pot.
Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring your pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover it. Let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom and cooks evenly. You’re aiming for tender pasta with the liquid mostly absorbed into a thick, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses
Once the pasta is tender, remove the lid and sprinkle in both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir gently yet thoroughly as the cheese melts into the sauce creating that luscious, creamy texture that makes this one pot meal a total crowd-pleaser. If you want it even creamier, add a splash of milk and watch it blend to velvety perfection.
Step 6: Season to Taste and Garnish
Finally, taste your creation and season with salt and pepper as needed. For a fresh burst of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped cilantro or sliced green onions on top before serving. These little touches really elevate the dish and make it look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
One of my favorite parts about this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to personalize with your favorite garnishes. Fresh cilantro or green onions add a bright crunch and freshness, while a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice can brighten the whole bowl. A few sliced jalapeños bring heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Keep the sides simple and vibrant to complement the richness of the pasta. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, or serve with tortilla chips for that classic taco-night vibe. Roasted vegetables like corn or bell peppers also pair wonderfully and add extra color and texture to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in small cast-iron skillets or individual oven-safe bowls and pop them under the broiler with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust. You can also spoon it into taco shells or lettuce cups for a playful handheld option that’s perfect for casual dinners or party bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain texture and flavor. Leftovers often taste even better as the spices have a chance to meld overnight!
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave stirring occasionally. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy consistency. This makes for a quick and easy meal any night of the week.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans like black beans for a filling vegetarian version that still packs plenty of flavor.
What type of pasta works best?
Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni work best because they hold up well while cooking directly in the sauce and absorb all those delicious flavors.
Can I use milk instead of broth?
You can use milk, but broth gives this dish more depth and a richer flavor. If you prefer creamier pasta, adding milk after cooking is a great idea rather than using it as the cooking liquid.
Is it spicy?
The spice level depends on your taco seasoning choice. You can adjust it by using mild or spicy seasoning and add jalapeños or hot sauce to bump up the heat if you’d like more kick.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes! Just make sure to use a larger pot and increase the cooking time slightly. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking or uneven cooking when scaling up.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about diving into a warm bowl of cheesy comfort, especially when it’s as easy and fuss-free as this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe. It’s a real winner for busy nights, family dinners, or whenever you crave that cozy-meets-bold flavor combo without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a go, and I promise this recipe will quickly earn a special place in your weeknight rotation!
Print
One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal that combines the zest of taco seasoning with creamy melted cheeses and tender pasta. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, then simmered with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and pasta in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Topped with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and optionally fresh cilantro or green onions, this dish delivers comforting Tex-Mex flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 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
Pasta and Cheese
- 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)
Additional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: 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 to avoid a greasy dish.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, and uncooked pasta. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt in the cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted and creamy. For extra richness, add a splash of milk and stir until incorporated.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper as needed to adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese and milk or use plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning depending on your preferred spice level.
- Use any short pasta shape like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni for best results.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
