Description
A quick and easy one-pot beef taco pasta recipe that combines cheesy, taco-seasoned goodness with tender pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish is ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced avocado, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and diced onions; cook until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Liquids
- Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Add the uncooked pasta and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Cream
- Lower heat and stir in shredded cheeses until melted and creamy.
- If using, add heavy cream for extra richness. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and any optional toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.
Notes
- Make it spicier – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use a different protein – Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken.
- Go low-carb – Replace pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Make it vegetarian – Use black beans instead of beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Cheese variations – Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: beef taco pasta, one-pot pasta, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy taco pasta, 30-minute meal