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One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe
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One Pot Taco Pasta

This One Pot Taco Pasta is a cheesy, flavor-packed dinner perfect for busy weeknights. With ground beef, tender pasta, and all the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite tacos, this comforting dish comes together in just 30 minutes — all in one pan! Easy to make, quick to clean up, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Keyword: cheesy taco pasta, ground beef pasta, one pot pasta, taco pasta
Servings: 5
Calories: 574kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground beef cooked or raw
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust based on broth sodium level
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 2 ¼ cups low sodium beef broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup tomato sauce
  • 3 cups uncooked pasta such as lumaconi, shellbows, macaroni, or small shells — about 240 grams
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
  • Add the diced onion and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add the ground beef, taco seasoning, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and cumin. Cook and stir until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the uncooked pasta, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
  • Remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Add extra veggies: Zucchini or carrots can be added with the onions and peppers; stir in spinach or corn near the end.
Ground meat options: Substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or cooked black beans for a vegetarian version.
Broth: Use low sodium broth for better control of salt. If using regular broth, reduce added salt.
Pasta options: Most short pasta shapes like macaroni, shells, or rotini work well; cooking time may vary slightly.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for heat.