Ever have one of those nights where half the family wants tacos and the other half wants pasta? What if you could make everyone happy with one single pot, in less time than it takes to argue about it?
The ultimate family peace treaty! This one-pot wonder combines taco night and pasta night into one incredibly easy meal.
This Easy One-Pot Taco Pasta is your secret weapon. It’s the glorious mashup of cheesy, hearty pasta and all your favorite taco flavors, and it comes together in a flash. We’re talking seasoned ground beef, tender shells, and a creamy, tomato-y sauce, all cooked in one pot for the easiest cleanup imaginable. This is the definition of a crowd-pleasing, no-fuss weeknight dinner. Let’s get cooking!
Why This Recipe Will Save Your Weeknight
This dish is designed for chaos. It’s fast, forgiving, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.
The One-Pot Miracle: By cooking the pasta right in the sauce, we’re not just saving a pot—we’re creating a luxuriously starchy, clingy sauce that can only happen when the pasta cooks alongside the other ingredients.
Taco Tuesday, Made Easier: All the flavor of taco night without the fuss of setting up a topping bar. The seasoning is built right in!
Pantry Staples to the Rescue: This recipe is built on simple ingredients you probably already have on hand: ground beef, pasta, broth, and a few pantry spices.
Customizable for Everyone: Set out bowls of extra toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or sour cream and let everyone customize their own bowl.
The Simple Ingredients for Taco Magic
The beauty of this dish is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Beef: I recommend lean (90/10) ground beef to avoid excess grease.
Pasta: Small shapes like elbow macaroni, small shells, or rotini work best because they cook quickly and evenly.
Taco Seasoning: You can use a packet of store-bought taco seasoning for ultimate ease, or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Broth & Tomatoes: A combination of beef or chicken broth and a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel) creates the flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta.
Cheese: A hearty handful of shredded cheddar or a Mexican blend cheese stirred in at the end makes it irresistibly creamy.
How to Make It: Your 20-Minute Countdown
The process is a simple, sequential build of flavor in one pot.
Building the flavor base. Browning the beef and onions is the first step to a delicious dish.
Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
Add Aromatics & Seasoning: Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the taco seasoning and garlic, and cook for one minute until fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release all those flavorful browned bits.
Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for the time listed on the pasta package, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cooking the pasta right in the sauce makes it incredibly flavorful and saves you from cleaning another pot.
Cheese Please!: Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and creamy.
Serve & Top!: Serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings like a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, or fresh cilantro.
How to Customize Your Taco Pasta
Make this recipe your own!
Kick Up the Heat: Use a can of hot diced tomatoes with green chiles, or add a diced jalapeño with the onions.
Different Protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Creamy Version: Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the shredded cheese for an extra-rich and creamy sauce.
FAQs (Your Questions Answered)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, but stick to small shapes that have a similar cook time. If using a larger pasta like penne, you may need to add a little more liquid and extend the cooking time slightly.
My pasta is absorbing all the liquid too quickly. What should I do?
Different pasta brands and types absorb liquid differently. If it looks dry before the pasta is tender, simply add a splash more broth or water and continue cooking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a small splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce back up.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, making leftovers thicker.
The Final Stir
See? Dinner dilemmas are no match for a one-pot solution. This dish is the ultimate proof that you can get a flavorful, satisfying meal on the table with minimal effort and even less cleanup.
This Easy One-Pot Taco Pasta is exactly what Flavor Flux is all about—empowering you to create delicious, uncomplicated food that brings joy to your table.
Dinner is served! Let everyone customize their bowl with their favorite toppings for a fun, interactive meal.
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Made this recipe? You’re a star! 🌟
What toppings did your family choose? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Rate the recipe below and let me know.
P.S. Know another busy parent who needs a dinnertime win? Share this post with them!
This Easy One-Pot Taco Pasta is the ultimate family dinner! Ready in 20 minutes with ground beef, pasta, and taco seasoning. A cheesy, hearty crowd-pleaser.
