Quick & Zesty One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe for Family Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand magic, and this zesty taco pasta one pot recipe delivers pure comfort without the kitchen chaos.

Packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, this dish combines two beloved favorites into a single, satisfying meal.

Seasoned ground beef sizzles alongside tender pasta, creating layers of mouthwatering goodness.

Melted cheese and vibrant spices turn an ordinary recipe into a weeknight showstopper that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Each forkful brings together the hearty essence of tacos with the creamy, comforting texture of pasta.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – minimal dishes, maximum flavor.

one skillet stands between you and a dinner that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

One Pot Taco Pasta Storage Notes

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up a double batch and store extra portions in airtight containers. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch meal prep throughout the week.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Keep leftovers sealed in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Refresh Technique: When reheating, stir in a little extra cheese or a splash of broth to revive the sauce's original creamy consistency. This trick helps maintain the dish's delicious flavor and prevent any potential chalkiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 7

Taco Pasta One Pot Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: Select high-quality meat with balanced fat content for juicy, flavorful results.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Elevates meat's richness with complex, tangy undertones.

• Butter, Garlic: Provides warm, fragrant foundation that enhances overall dish depth.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers authentic southwestern spice profile with bold, zesty character.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates robust tomato essence and adds beautiful color complexity.

• Beef Broth, Chicken Broth: Creates multilayered liquid base with deep, savory dimensions.
• Whole Milk: Introduces luxurious creaminess and helps bind sauce smoothly.
• Rotel Tomatoes: Brings vibrant heat and bright, fresh tomato brightness.

• Medium Pasta Shells: Captures sauce perfectly with unique curved shape.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Contribute sharp and mild melting qualities.
• Velveeta Cheese: Ensures ultra-smooth, consistent cheese sauce texture.

One Pot Taco Pasta Cooking Gear

• Large Pot: Your main cooking vessel for this entire one-pot wonder, perfect for browning beef and creating the delicious sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking, ensuring even crumbling.
• Cheese Grater: Needed to shred cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for smooth melting.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately adding broths, milk, and seasonings to get the right flavor balance.
• Can Opener: Required to open the Rotel tomatoes quickly and easily.
• Colander (optional): Helpful for draining excess beef grease if desired.

Taco Pasta One Pot Prep Instructions

• Beef Foundation

Brown ground beef in a large pot, crumbling it completely and ensuring no pink remains. Drain unwanted grease to keep the dish light and clean.

• Aromatic Boost

Melt butter and quickly sauté garlic until its fragrance fills the kitchen, creating a warm and inviting base for the upcoming flavors.

• Flavor Explosion

Pour in taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, broths, milk, and Rotel tomatoes. This magical liquid will transform the entire dish into a zesty sensation.

• Pasta Magic

Add pasta shells and let everything simmer under a gentle cover. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

• Cheese Transformation

Lower heat and slowly incorporate shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta cubes. Stir continuously until a smooth, creamy sauce emerges, coating every single pasta shell with cheesy goodness.

• Final Touch

Remove from heat and let the dish rest for a moment. The flavors will meld together, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Customizing Your Taco Pasta One Pot

• Cheesy Pasta Perfection: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or smoked gouda for a unique flavor twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to increase the heat level and give the dish a spicy kick.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in some diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to add extra nutrition and texture to the one-pot meal.
• Topping Magic: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream just before serving to elevate the dish's presentation and taste.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency and bring back the delicious flavors.

Taco Pasta One Pot Serving Vibes

• Fiesta-Style Side Kick: Pair this hearty taco pasta with crisp, cool lettuce wedges topped with a zesty lime-cilantro dressing for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy main dish.
• Crunchy Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or crispy tortilla strips over each serving to add a delightful crunch and authentic Mexican-inspired texture that complements the creamy pasta.
• Garnish Galore: Enhance the flavor profile by adding fresh toppings like diced avocado, chopped green onions, sour cream dollops, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to bring extra brightness and depth to the dish.
• Cool Companion Combo: Serve alongside a quick and tangy Mexican-style coleslaw or a simple corn and black bean salad to balance the richness of the cheesy taco pasta and provide a light, refreshing accompaniment.

Creamy Taco Pasta One Pot

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican-inspired taco pasta delivers a zesty one-pot meal packed with ground beef, peppers, and cheese. Families will savor this quick, comforting dinner that combines familiar flavors in a satisfying skillet experience you can enjoy in less than 30 minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453 g) ground beef (85% lean)
• 4 oz (113 g) velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 cup (100 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (100 g) monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 1 tbsp (14 g) butter
• 0.5 lb (227 g) medium pasta shells
• 1 oz (28 g) taco seasoning packet
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 (10 oz/283 g) can rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cheese Preparation: Grate cheddar and Monterey Jack at room temperature to ensure smooth melting during sauce creation.
2. Meat Cooking: Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking into fine crumbles and draining excess fat completely.
3. Flavor Building: Melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, creating an aromatic base for the dish’s depth of flavor.
4. Liquid Foundation: Combine taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, chicken and beef broths, milk, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies to develop a complex, zesty liquid mixture.
5. Pasta Integration: Add medium pasta shells to the seasoned liquid, simmer covered while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, cooking until shells reach optimal tenderness and absorb the flavorful liquid.
6. Cheese Fusion: Reduce heat, gradually incorporate shredded cheeses and Velveeta cubes, stirring constantly to create a luxurious, creamy sauce that completely envelops the pasta.
7. Final Touch: Allow mixture to rest briefly, letting flavors meld and sauce slightly thicken, then serve hot with optional fresh herb garnish or additional cheese sprinkle.

Notes

• Grate Cheese at Room Temperature: Softened cheddar and Monterey Jack melt more evenly, creating a smoother, more luxurious cheese sauce.
• Brown Meat Thoroughly: Properly caramelizing ground beef develops deep, rich flavors and ensures even cooking throughout the dish.
• Layer Flavor Strategically: Sautéing garlic in butter creates a fragrant base that enhances the overall taste profile of the taco pasta.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir shells midway through cooking to avoid clumping and ensure each piece is perfectly cooked and sauce-coated.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg