Name: One Pot Beef Taco Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Mexican Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 3 cups beef broth; 2 cups rotini pasta, uncooked; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the comfort meal you didn’t know you needed. It combines the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite taco night with the cozy heartiness of a pasta dinner—all made in one skillet for quick cleanup. The rotini pasta captures every bit of seasoned beef, melted cheese, and vibrant tomato goodness, making each bite incredibly satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or just want a delicious dinner with minimal dishes, this dish hits all the marks. Kids love it. Adults go back for seconds. It’s cheesy, beefy, and has just enough kick to keep things interesting without being overpowering. Make it once, and it will quickly earn a place in your regular dinner rotation.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short pasta shapes work best for this one pot dish since they cook quickly and trap all the saucy taco flavors. Rotini is my favorite here because its spiral shape holds onto all the ground beef and melty cheese so well. You can swap it with penne, shells, or elbow macaroni depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients for the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Ground Beef: The base of your taco flavor. Look for lean ground beef to avoid too much grease.
Rotini Pasta: Holds all that saucy, cheesy flavor in its spirals.
Taco Seasoning: Brings the smoky, spicy taco flavor. Use store-bought or homemade.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds acidity and a mild kick to balance the beef.
Beef Broth: Enhances the richness and helps cook the pasta directly in the skillet.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a creamy, gooey finish.
Onion & Garlic: Adds a flavorful base to build your taco meat.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and building that rich flavor base.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to balance everything out.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh finishing touch.

How To Make the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it coat the beef and bloom for about 1 minute to enhance its flavor.

Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the beef broth. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Add the dry rotini pasta directly into the skillet. Stir, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 6: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and gooey.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your one pot taco-inspired dinner!

How to Serve and Store One Pot Beef Taco Pasta

This dish is best served hot right off the stove, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or even a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. It pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a more filling meal.

To store, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up and keep it creamy. It also freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this recipe?

It has a mild kick from the taco seasoning and diced green chilies, but nothing overwhelming. You can adjust the spice level by using a milder or hotter taco seasoning blend.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is a classic choice for its bold flavor and meltability, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend too.

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, just keep in mind that gluten-free pasta may cook a bit faster or require more stirring to prevent sticking. Check the package instructions and adjust liquid as needed.

Is it okay to make this ahead?

Definitely. It reheats well and can be made a day in advance. Just store it properly and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I add veggies to this dish?

Of course! Bell peppers, corn, or even zucchini can be added during the simmering stage for a nutrition boost and added texture.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is your kind of meal, you’ll want to try these next:

One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a cheesy Italian twist.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini when you want creamy and comforting.
One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta if you’re craving bold flavors.
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a weeknight-friendly twist on a classic.
Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta when you’re feeling adventurous.

📌 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 go spicy or keep it kid-friendly? Did you throw in extra veggies or stick with the basics?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. If you’re hungry for more one pot ideas or just easy meals that your family will love, come hang out with me on Pinterest at Life with Nina.