Name: One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp taco seasoning; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices); 8 oz uncooked pasta (such as shells or rotini); 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 oz cream cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

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This One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed dish that combines the bold spices of taco night with the comforting, creamy goodness of pasta. It’s quick to make, only uses one pan, and delivers that cheesy, meaty, savory flavor I always crave on busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together two family favorites—tacos and pasta—into one easy, satisfying meal. It’s a perfect choice when I want to feed everyone fast without compromising on flavor. The one-pot method means less cleanup, and the gooey cheese sauce wrapped around tender pasta and spiced ground beef makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s super customizable, so I can tweak it depending on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Taco seasoning
Tomato paste
Canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
Uncooked pasta (like shells or rotini)
Beef broth
Shredded cheddar cheese
Cream cheese
Olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
I sauté the diced onion until soft, then add in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
I add the ground beef and cook until browned, draining excess grease if needed.
Next, I stir in the taco seasoning and tomato paste, coating the beef evenly.
I pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), pasta, and beef broth. I give everything a good stir to combine.
I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
I stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
I let it sit for a few minutes off the heat before serving to thicken slightly.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. Prep time is around 5–10 minutes, and cook time is about 20 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.
For extra heat, I add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
When I want more veggies, I throw in bell peppers or corn during the simmering stage.
I use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar when I want a spicier, zestier flavor.
For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free pasta and double-check that my taco seasoning is gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm it up in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. I avoid freezing this dish because the creamy cheese sauce can separate.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

I like using short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne. They hold onto the sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, I swap the ground beef for black beans or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mildly spicy as written, but I can easily adjust the heat level by using mild taco seasoning or adding extra spice to suit my taste.

Can I add toppings?

Absolutely. I often top it with sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.

How can I make it creamier?

Adding a bit more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream makes the sauce even richer and smoother.

Conclusion

This One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is everything I love in a weeknight meal—simple, fast, and incredibly satisfying. The bold taco flavors, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta all come together in one pan with minimal fuss. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or just craving comfort food, this dish never lets me down.