Name: One Pot Beef Taco Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef (80/20); 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 2 cups beef broth; 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 8 ounces rotini pasta, dry; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)

When you’re craving the comforting flavors of tacos but need a quick and hearty dinner, One Pot Beef Taco Pasta delivers it all in under 30 minutes. This dish combines ground beef, taco seasoning, and rotini pasta in a rich, cheesy tomato sauce for a crowd-pleasing meal that saves time and dishes. It’s everything you love about Taco Tuesday, wrapped up in pasta form—and it’s all cooked in one skillet.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is a lifesaver for families. The bold spices and cheesy goodness make it a kid favorite, while the one-pan cleanup keeps adults happy. With minimal prep and pantry staples, this flavorful fusion of Tex-Mex and Italian will be in your regular rotation.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rotini works beautifully here because its spirals trap the sauce and meat perfectly, but you can easily swap it for penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni depending on what you have on hand. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, which won’t hold the taco-style sauce as well.

Ingredients for the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Ground Beef – The heart of the recipe, adding richness and savory flavor. Choose 80/20 for a balance of taste and moisture.

Taco Seasoning – This brings the entire Tex-Mex profile to life. Use homemade or your favorite store blend for classic taco flavor.

Rotini Pasta – Its shape soaks up every bit of the meaty, cheesy sauce.

Diced Tomatoes – Adds acidity and balances the richness with a burst of freshness.

Tomato Sauce – Forms the base of the saucy, flavorful coating on the pasta.

Beef Broth – Helps cook the pasta and adds a deep, umami background.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the sauce for gooey, cheesy perfection.

Onion & Garlic – Builds the flavor base with savory and aromatic notes.

Olive Oil – For sautéing the onions and garlic to get things started.

Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (optional) – For a pop of color and fresh contrast at the end.

How To Make the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Season It Right

Stir in taco seasoning and let it cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the spices. This intensifies the flavor.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and dry rotini pasta. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Remove from heat.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Top with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if using. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

How to Serve and Store Your One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Serve this hearty pasta hot, right after the cheese has melted into the beefy sauce. It’s excellent straight from the pan with a big spoon or portioned into bowls for a family-style meal.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of beef broth or water to bring back its saucy texture. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Serve With One Pot Beef Taco Pasta?

Cheesy Cornbread

Soft, cheesy cornbread on the side balances the spice and adds a little southern charm.

Creamy Avocado Salad

A cool and refreshing salad with lime dressing helps offset the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

Try these Roasted Parmesan Green Beans for a crisp and savory veggie side.

Classic Guacamole & Chips

Serve as an appetizer to keep the taco night vibe going.

Cilantro Lime Rice

A light and fluffy side that complements the bold flavors of the dish.

Jalapeño Poppers

If you’re into heat, Jalapeno Poppers are a fun and spicy pairing.

Creamy Queso Dip

A warm cheesy dip that can double as a topping for your pasta or a crowd-pleasing starter.

Want More One Pot Dinner Ideas?

If this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta has you hooked, explore more comforting and convenient one-pan dishes:

Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a smooth, indulgent dinner.
Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you’re short on time.
One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for smoky, meaty goodness.
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta for the ultimate comfort twist.
Cheesy Ground Turkey Pasta if you’re looking for a leaner option.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it extra cheesy? Add hot sauce? Swap in ground turkey? I’d love to hear your twist.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and cozy meals on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and find your new weeknight go-to!