Print

One Pot Taco Pasta

A close-up of creamy, cheesy One Pot Taco Pasta with ground beef and tomatoes served in a white bowl.

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this easy, flavorful taco pasta entirely in one pot for quick preparation and minimal cleanup. This recipe combines ground beef, taco seasoning, and pasta in a creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta shape
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the water or broth, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), and the uncooked pasta to the pot.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
  5. Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat.
  6. Stir in the milk and shredded cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  7. If using, stir in the sour cream for added richness. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef.
  • For a spicier dish, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after cooking, add a splash more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition