If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together in one pot and under 30 minutes, this Taco Pasta is your answer! It’s the perfect blend of taco night and pasta night, combining bold spices, tender pasta, and melty cheese for a dinner that will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: One pot, minimal cleanup, and ready in about 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Use ground beef, turkey, sausage, or even plant-based meat.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The classic taco seasoning, tomatoes with green chilies, and cheddar cheese create a flavor-packed meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Beef: Or swap for turkey, sausage, or a plant-based alternative.
- Pasta: Large elbows work great, but feel free to use shells, rotini, or penne.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a delicious aroma and depth of flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Rotel is recommended for its zesty kick.
- Taco Seasoning: Use store-bought or homemade for ultimate control over flavor.
- Beef Broth & Water: These ensure the pasta cooks perfectly while soaking up all the flavors.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully into the dish.
- Toppings: Fresh cilantro and sour cream take it over the top.
Tips for Success
- Adjust the Heat: If you love spice, use hot taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne. For a milder dish, use mild diced tomatoes and chilies.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.
Why This Recipe Works
This one-pot taco pasta is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The pasta cooks directly in the flavorful broth, soaking up all the taco spices, and the melty cheddar ties it all together. It’s hearty, cheesy, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Taco Pasta
Storage
- Refrigerator: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Taco Pasta can be frozen for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Stovetop:
- Place the pasta in a saucepan with a splash of water, broth, or milk to loosen the sauce.
- Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Microwave:
- Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a small splash of water or milk and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel.
- Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated evenly.
From Frozen:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using the stovetop or microwave methods above.
- If reheating directly from frozen, add a little extra liquid and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Pro Tip:
For the best texture, reheat the pasta gently to avoid overcooking. Add a little extra cheese or sour cream when reheating to revive the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Cheesy Taco Pasta: One Pot Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, sausage, etc)
- 1/2 lb pasta (I used large elbows)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilles (rotelle brand is recommended)
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (or 2 tbsps of homemade)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2-2cups water
- 4oz cheddar, shredded
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream to serve (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan, over medium heat cook ground beef until just about cooked through and drain excess fat.
- Add in garlic and cook until fragrant. Add tomatoes/green chilles, taco seasoning, broth and 1 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, stir in pasta then reduce heat so liquid is at a simmer (medium/medium-low). Allow to simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally until pasta is cooked to al dente. If pasta is not done once liquid is absorbed, stir in 1/4 cup of water at a time until pasta is properly cooked.
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted. Add in 1 tbsp of heavy cream or sour cream if you desire a creamier pasta. Serve with fresh cilantro, more cheese and sour cream. Enjoy!