Pin it There's something magical about the moment when a weeknight dinner comes together in a single pot—no complicated steps, no mountains of dishes waiting. I discovered this one-pot taco pasta on a Tuesday when I'd promised my family something special but had exactly zero energy for a complicated production. What started as me just throwing ingredients into a pot became the dish they now request by name, the kind of meal that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did.
I remember my daughter asking if this was "really just one pot" as she watched me cook, skeptical that something tasting this good could be this simple. By the time the cheese melted in and the whole thing became this creamy, savory, slightly spicy masterpiece, she was convinced I'd secretly been a chef all along. That moment—when she went from doubt to delight in one spoonful—is exactly why I make this so often.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 lb): Lean ground beef browns quickly and gets tender as it cooks with everything else—it's the anchor that makes this feel like a real meal, not just pasta with seasoning.
- Onion and garlic (1 small onion, 2 cloves): These two start building flavor the moment they hit the hot pan, their sweetness balancing the savory spices that come next.
- Taco seasoning (2 tbsp): Store-bought works perfectly fine, though you can mix your own cumin, chili powder, and paprika if you're feeling it—the magic is in the blend, not the brand.
- Beef or chicken broth (2 cups): This is what transforms dry pasta into creamy comfort; it absorbs into every piece as it simmers, flavoring the whole dish at once.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): Canned tomatoes here are your friend—they add acidity, moisture, and brightness without requiring you to chop fresh ones.
- Dry pasta (2 cups): Penne, rotini, or shells all work beautifully; they hold onto the cheesy, meaty sauce instead of letting it slide right off.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): This is where the magic happens—it melts into the pasta and creates that creamy, indulgent texture that makes everyone go quiet and just eat.
Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high and add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. You'll hear that satisfying sizzle, and within five minutes, the raw pink will be gone and the whole thing will smell like the beginning of something delicious.
- Build the base:
- Toss in the onion and garlic, stirring until the onion softens and turns translucent, about three minutes. This is when your kitchen starts smelling genuinely inviting.
- Season and coat:
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper over everything and stir well. The spices should coat every piece of beef, and you'll notice the aroma shift as they bloom in the heat.
- Add liquid and pasta:
- Pour in the broth and tomatoes with their juices, then stir in the dry pasta. Everything might look a bit loose and soupy at this point—that's exactly right.
- Simmer to tender:
- Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it bubble gently for twelve to fifteen minutes, stirring every few minutes so nothing sticks to the bottom. The pasta will absorb the liquid and soften, and the flavors will deepen with every stir.
- Finish with cheese:
- When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pan from heat and stir in the cheese. It melts in seconds, turning everything creamy and rich.
Pin it There was the night I made this for my friend who'd had a genuinely terrible day, and she took one bite and actually teared up a little. She said it was the first time in weeks she'd eaten something that didn't taste like she was rushing through it. That's when I realized this dish is more than just easy—it's kind.
Why This Works as One Pot
The genius of one-pot cooking isn't just convenience—it's that everything seasons itself as it cooks together. The pasta doesn't just get tender; it drinks in all the beef, spice, and tomato flavor directly, so every bite tastes intentional and complete. You're not building separate components and hoping they play nice; you're creating one cohesive, deeply flavored dish from the start. That's why it tastes so good even though you barely lifted a finger.
Make It Your Own
This recipe is honestly a blueprint more than a rule. I've made it with diced jalapeños stirred in with the onions when I wanted heat, with a can of black beans dumped in for texture and nutrition, with corn when my kids were being picky eaters because somehow corn makes everything more appealing to them. The taco seasoning holds it all together and makes it taste intentional no matter what you add. Swap ground turkey or chicken if that's what you have, use gluten-free pasta if you need to—the spirit of the dish stays exactly the same.
Serving and Toppings
The beauty of this dish is that it's completely good on its own, but the toppings are where people get to personalize it. Some people load theirs up with everything; others just add a handful of green onions and call it done. I always set out the sour cream, cilantro, and green onions and let everyone build their own bowl. It makes people feel like they're part of the meal, not just eating what you decided for them.
- Green onions add a fresh, sharp bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Sour cream cools things down and adds a creamy tang that makes each bite feel lighter.
- Fresh cilantro is optional but becomes essential the moment you try it—it lifts the whole dish.
Pin it This is the kind of recipe that quietly becomes a staple, the one you make when you need a win in the kitchen without the stress. It feeds people, it tastes good, and it doesn't ask much of you in return.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives to ground beef for a leaner option without compromising flavor.
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal as they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a chopped jalapeño with the onions or increase the amount of taco seasoning to enhance the heat.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta varieties and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- → Can I add vegetables for more texture?
Adding ingredients like black beans or corn can provide extra texture and nutrition to the dish.