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One-Pot Taco Pasta

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This one-pot taco pasta combines bold flavors of taco-seasoned beef, tomatoes, and green chilis with elbow pasta that cooks right in the pot, absorbing all the rich flavors. Finished with melted cheddar, fresh lime, and cilantro, it's an easy, satisfying dish ready in just over 30 minutes. Use plant-based ingredients for a vegan twist or switch up the pasta shape and add-ins for variety. Cleanup is a breeze, and leftovers reheat beautifully for another night’s dinner.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:54:42 GMT
A bowl of pasta with meat and vegetables. Bookmark
A bowl of pasta with meat and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

This cozy one-pot taco pasta brings together everything you love about taco night and pasta dinner into one easy and comforting meal. Hearty, flavorful, and ready in just over half an hour, it is a go-to for weeknights and perfect for leftovers.

I first made this after a long workday when I wanted something satisfying without extra dishes. My family devoured it and asked for it again the next night.

  • Olive oil: adds richness and helps brown the vegetables
  • White onion: brings sweetness and depth
  • Red bell pepper: gives a touch of brightness and crunch
  • Lean ground beef: makes the dish hearty and protein-rich
  • Taco seasoning: builds a bold smoky base
  • Smoked paprika: enhances the taco flavors with a warm depth
  • Ground cumin: brings a classic earthy Mexican flavor
  • Canned diced tomatoes: add moisture and umami
  • Chopped green chilis: provide subtle heat
  • Elbow pasta: holds sauce well and cooks quickly
  • Beef or vegetable broth: infuses every bite with rich flavor
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: creates a creamy, melty finish
  • Fresh cilantro: adds brightness and herbal lift
  • Lime juice: balances everything with acidity
  • Hot sauce: lets you dial up the spice if desired
  • Salt: to balance and enhance the overall flavor
  • Optional toppings: like green onions, sour cream, and lime personalize each bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables and Beef:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and break it up using a spoon. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until mostly browned but still slightly pink. Spoon off grease if needed.
Add the Seasoning and Pasta:
Sprinkle in taco seasoning, paprika, and cumin. Stir in the tomatoes and green chilis with their juices. Add the dry pasta and stir well. Pour in the broth and mix everything together.
Simmer Until Tender:
Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and cover. Simmer for 13 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Finish With Flavor:
Turn off the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until fully melted. Add cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce if using. Taste and adjust salt. Let sit 3 to 5 minutes to thicken.
Serve With Toppings:
Spoon into bowls and top with green onions, sour cream, and lime if desired. Enjoy warm.
A close up of a bowl of pasta with meat and vegetables. Bookmark
A close up of a bowl of pasta with meat and vegetables. | ioanacooks.com

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely before sealing in containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on medium-low in a pot with a splash of broth to keep it saucy. Stir occasionally as it warms up.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try plant-based ground instead of beef for a vegan version. Swap cheddar for vegan cheese shreds. Use gluten-free pasta if needed. Add canned corn, black beans, or fresh baby spinach to boost the nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect with lime wedges and sour cream. It pairs great with a simple side salad or sautéed greens. A dollop of guacamole and crushed tortilla chips also makes it feel more like taco night.

A close up of a delicious one-pot taco pasta. Bookmark
A close up of a delicious one-pot taco pasta. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

This fusion dish nods to Mexican-inspired taco flavors combined with American comfort food traditions. The one-pot concept is rooted in practical home cooking, especially valued by busy families.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this with plant-based meat?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth and vegan cheese for a fully vegan dish.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Elbow pasta is recommended, but shells, rotini, or cavatappi are great alternatives that hold the sauce well.

→ Can I add vegetables or beans?

Yes, try adding corn, black beans, or baby spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Add them when you add tomatoes or near the end of cooking.

→ How can I control the spice level?

Use mild or hot taco seasoning based on preference. Add hot sauce for extra heat or leave it out for a milder version.

→ How should I reheat leftovers?

Reheat on medium-low heat in a pot with a splash of broth, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

→ Does the pasta need to be cooked separately?

No, the pasta cooks directly in the pot with the other ingredients, absorbing all the flavor and simplifying cleanup.

One-Pot Taco Pasta

Bold and hearty taco pasta made in one pot with beef, spices, and cheese—perfect for quick, comforting meals.

Time Needed to Prep
5 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
35 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 bowls)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 1 tablespoon olive oil
Ingredient 02 1 white onion, chopped
Ingredient 03 1 red bell pepper, chopped
Ingredient 04 1 pound lean ground beef or 12 ounces plant-based ground
Ingredient 05 2 tablespoons taco seasoning or 1 (1-ounce) packet
Ingredient 06 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
Ingredient 07 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Ingredient 08 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
Ingredient 09 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilis, undrained
Ingredient 10 8 ounces elbow pasta
Ingredient 11 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
Ingredient 12 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Ingredient 13 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Ingredient 14 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Ingredient 15 1 tablespoon hot sauce, optional
Ingredient 16 Salt, as needed

→ Optional Toppings

Ingredient 17 Green onions, chopped
Ingredient 18 Sour cream
Ingredient 19 Lime wedges

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add onion and bell pepper; cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add ground beef; cook until mostly browned, 3–5 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 02

Stir in taco seasoning, paprika, cumin, diced tomatoes, and green chilis. Add dry pasta and mix well. Pour in broth and stir to combine.

Step 03

Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Reduce to low, cover, and simmer 13–15 minutes until pasta is cooked, stirring occasionally.

Step 04

Turn off heat. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Mix in cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce. Adjust salt to taste.

Step 05

Let pasta rest for 3–5 minutes to thicken. Serve with optional toppings like green onions, sour cream, or lime wedges.

Extra Tips

  1. Stir pasta occasionally while simmering to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
  2. Letting the pasta rest helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld together.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot (5 to 6 quarts)
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from cheese
  • May contain gluten from pasta

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 510
  • Total Fat: 24 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 34 grams
  • Protein Amount: 38 grams