Name: Classic One Pot Taco Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 pound ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 cup salsa (mild or medium); 2 1/2 cups beef broth; 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, tortilla chips

When taco night meets pasta night, you get something truly special: Classic One Pot Taco Pasta. This dish is a flavor-packed weeknight savior that fuses all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors into a comforting bowl of cheesy, beefy goodness. It’s got the warmth of seasoned ground beef, the richness of melted cheese, and the heartiness of pasta—all made in one pot, with minimal cleanup.

Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe is also super flexible. You can sneak in extra veggies, switch up the meat, or make it spicier depending on your mood. It’s a dish the whole family will ask for again and again—especially when it’s topped with crushed tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for One Pot Taco Pasta?

Short-cut pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni are great options. They cook quickly, soak up all the flavors, and deliver that perfect forkful every time. If you’re using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, adjust your liquid amounts and keep an eye on cooking time.

Ingredients for the Classic One Pot Taco Pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup salsa (mild or medium)
2 1/2 cups beef broth
2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, tortilla chips

How To Make the Classic One Pot Taco Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquids

Stir in taco seasoning, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes with chilies, salsa, and beef broth. Mix to combine.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then 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 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Turn off the heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like crushed tortilla chips, cilantro, or jalapeños.

How to Serve and Store Taco Pasta

Serve your Classic One Pot Taco Pasta straight from the pot for casual dinners, game nights, or even taco-themed parties. It pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted corn on the cob.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can even freeze it—just hold off on adding the sour cream until after thawing and reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely. Just substitute it 1:1 and adjust seasoning to taste since leaner meats may need a bit more spice.

Is this recipe spicy?

It depends on the salsa you use. Opt for mild salsa for a kid-friendly version or go bold with hot salsa and extra jalapeños.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini are great additions. Sauté them with the onions at the start.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives or skip them entirely. It’ll still be flavorful.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a bigger pot and adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.

What pasta holds up best for freezing?

Short pastas like rotini or penne freeze better than delicate noodles. Slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to freeze.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Tex-Mex Twist?

If you loved this Classic One Pot Taco Pasta, try these flavorful favorites next:

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta if you’re craving rich Italian comfort with a twist.
Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole for another easy, bold-flavored one-pan meal.
Taco Spaghetti Casserole for a cheesy baked version.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you want beefy goodness with extra richness.
The Ultimate Taco Casserole for layers of meaty, cheesy taco joy.

📌 Save this Classic One Pot Taco Pasta to your Pinterest dinner board so you can whip it up anytime the craving hits.

Tried this with a spicy salsa or added black beans? I’d love to hear how you made it your own! Drop a comment below and let’s swap tasty ideas.

For more easy, delicious recipes shared daily, follow me over on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Classic One Pot Taco Pasta

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Classic One Pot Taco Pasta is your go-to for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that brings together taco night and pasta night in one comforting bowl. Made in just one pot with minimal cleanup, it’s loaded with ground beef, salsa, melty cheese, and tender pasta for a creamy, cheesy, Tex-Mex dream.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Stir in taco seasoning, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes with chilies, salsa, and beef broth. Mix well.

4. Add uncooked pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

5. Turn off heat and stir in cheddar cheese and sour cream until smooth and melted.

6. Serve hot with desired toppings like tortilla chips, cilantro, or jalapeños.