One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe
One Pot Taco Pasta combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comfort and creaminess of pasta — all in one pot. This fusion dish brings together seasoned ground beef, pasta, cheese, tomatoes, and spices to deliver a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up after. It’s a perfect recipe for those who love tacos and pasta and want the convenience of minimal dishes.
Equipment Needed
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Large pot or deep skillet with a lid
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Chef’s knife and cutting board
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Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Meat
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Heat your large pot over medium heat. If your meat is very lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil.
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Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add ground beef and break it up with your spoon or spatula.
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Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Season the Beef
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Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked beef.
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Stir well to coat all the meat.
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Cook for 1–2 more minutes to toast the spices and enhance their flavor.
If you’re using homemade seasoning, mix it in now and adjust salt based on your broth.
Step 3: Add Pasta, Liquids, and Tomatoes
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Stir in tomato paste until incorporated.
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Pour in the dry pasta, Rotel, frozen corn, and beef broth.
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Mix thoroughly to combine.
Step 4: Simmer
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Bring the mixture to a light boil over medium-high heat.
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Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Check the pasta at the 12-minute mark. If it’s tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, move to the next step.
Step 5: Add Dairy
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Turn off the heat and let the pot rest uncovered for 1–2 minutes.
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Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheese until creamy and melted.
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Taste and adjust seasoning: add salt, pepper, or more cheese as desired.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
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Scoop the taco pasta into bowls.
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Top with your favorite garnishes: fresh cilantro, extra cheese, jalapeños, diced avocado, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.
Expert Cooking Tips
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Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltiness.
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Broth Choice: Beef broth adds depth, but chicken or vegetable broth also works well.
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Pasta Picks: Choose short pasta shapes that can trap sauce, like shells, rotini, or penne.
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Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the pasta in the final minutes — overcooking will make it mushy.
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Thicker Sauce? Let the pasta rest off the heat for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations
Protein Swaps:
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Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option
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Black beans or pinto beans for vegetarian
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Chorizo or sausage for added spice and flavor
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Lentils or quinoa for a plant-based alternative
Dairy-Free Version:
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Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives.
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Skip the sour cream and add a spoonful of salsa for creaminess.
Extra Veggies:
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Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added during the simmer step.
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Add a handful of spinach at the end for added greens.
Vegan Option:
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Use veggie crumbles or black beans.
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Omit cheese and sour cream or use vegan versions.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigeration:
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Let the taco pasta cool completely before storing.
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
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Freeze in single-serve containers for up to 3 months.
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Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
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Microwave: Add a splash of broth or water, cover, and heat on medium power.
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Stovetop: Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat with a splash of liquid.
Serving Suggestions
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With a Side Salad: A crisp romaine salad with avocado-lime dressing balances the richness.
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With Cornbread: Adds a slightly sweet contrast.
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Taco Night Alternative: Skip the shells and serve this as a fun twist on Taco Tuesday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function for browning, then pressure cook on high for 4–5 minutes. Quick release and stir in cheese and sour cream afterward.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger pot and increase simmering time by a few minutes. Stir more frequently.
Q: What if my sauce is too runny?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or stir in a handful of shredded cheese to help thicken it.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add more Rotel, diced jalapeños, cayenne, hot sauce, or use spicy taco seasoning.
Conclusion
One Pot Taco Pasta is the ultimate comfort food hybrid. It’s rich, hearty, and full of the flavors you love from tacos, all nestled in creamy, cheesy pasta. With its single-pot convenience, it’s ideal for weeknights, picky eaters, and meal preppers alike.
One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra depth)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 8 oz (about 2 1/2 cups) uncooked pasta (small shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, jalapeños, diced avocado
Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. - Add Aromatics and Seasoning:
Add diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt. - Build the Sauce:
Add diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir to combine. - Cook the Pasta:
Add pasta and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. - Finish the Dish:
Stir in shredded cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve:
Spoon into bowls and top with your favorite taco toppings.