One Pot Beef Taco Pasta: The Ultimate Easy, Cheesy Tex-Mex Comfort Meal
One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a cozy Tex-Mex dinner that brings together savory taco-seasoned beef, tender pasta, and melty cheese—all cooked in a single pot. It’s bold, comforting, and incredibly easy to make, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax. Perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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2 Tbsp taco seasoning
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8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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1 cup tomato sauce
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2 cups beef broth or water
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1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
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1 Tbsp olive oil (optional)
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2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
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½ cup black beans
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½ cup corn kernels
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¼ cup jalapeños or diced bell peppers
Instructions
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Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. If using, add olive oil and garlic. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease if needed. -
Season
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir well until evenly coated. -
Add Pasta & Liquids
Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth (or water). Stir in uncooked pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged. -
Simmer
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. -
Add Cheese
Lower heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Add any optional beans, corn, or peppers at this stage if using. -
Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro, green onions, or sour cream if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
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Extra creamy: Stir in a splash of milk or cream with the cheese.
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Spice it up: Use spicy taco seasoning or add extra jalapeños.
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Make it lighter: Swap ground beef for lean beef or ground turkey and reduce the cheese slightly.
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Meal prep friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days—add a splash of water when reheating.