One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

When I made this One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta, the smell of taco seasoning and bubbling cheese filled the kitchen.
The pasta turned soft and creamy, packed with beef, salsa, and that perfect taco flavor.
I remember scooping big spoonfuls into bowls while everyone hovered, waiting for seconds.

This dish is cheesy, bold, and full of Tex-Mex comfort.
It’s easy to make, easy to love, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Let’s make it together—you’ll love how simple and flavor-packed it turns out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.
• Kid-Approved: Cheesy, mild taco flavors that even picky eaters enjoy.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in 30 minutes with hands-on cooking.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust spice levels and toppings to suit your family’s taste.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 6 people generously. Need to feed more? Simply double the ingredients and use a larger pot.

Difficulty: Easy enough for beginner cooks. If you can brown ground beef and boil pasta, you can make this dish.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large pot with lid (at least 4-quart capacity)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)

Ingredients for One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

This hearty pasta dish combines simple pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create layers of flavor. The ground beef provides protein, while the taco seasoning brings warmth and spice. Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish together:

• Shell Pasta (12 oz): Medium shells work best as they catch the sauce and cheese perfectly.
• Ground Beef (1 pound): Use 80/20 lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture.
• Onion (1 medium): Diced onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Minced garlic brings aromatic flavor that complements the taco spices.
• Taco Seasoning (3 tablespoons): Store-bought or homemade seasoning blend with chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
• Water (2 cups): Helps cook the pasta and creates a saucy consistency.
• Tomato Sauce (15 oz can): Provides a rich, tomatoey base for the sauce.
• Cheese (2 cups shredded): Cheddar or Mexican blend melts beautifully into the pasta.
• Cilantro (1/4 cup chopped): Fresh herbs add a bright finishing touch.

Variations for One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning.
• Use Different Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra nutrition and texture.
• Change the Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a combination of your favorite melting cheeses.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end for extra richness.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Heat your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with your wooden spoon. The meat should be nicely browned with no pink remaining.

2. Cook the Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef. Cook for 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Season and Add Liquids

Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Pour in the water and tomato sauce, stirring to combine all the ingredients.

4. Add the Pasta

Add the uncooked shell pasta directly into the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer Until Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.

6. Add the Cheese

Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and stir until it melts completely into the pasta, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the finished dish. Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides and toppings:

• Fresh Toppings: Serve with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream, or sliced avocado on the side.
• With Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn salad.
• Add Crunch: Serve with tortilla chips on the side for dipping and scooping.
• Make It a Bar: Set out various toppings and let everyone customize their bowl with their favorites.
• With Bread: Warm flour tortillas or garlic bread make great accompaniments for soaking up the sauce.

Storing One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the pasta seems dry.
• Freezer: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Skip Stirring: Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Check Liquid Levels: If the pasta isn’t quite tender but the liquid is gone, add a splash more water and continue cooking.
• Drain Excess Fat: If your ground beef is very fatty, drain some of the grease after browning but before adding onions.
• Use Room Temperature Cheese: Let cheese sit out for 10 minutes before adding. Cold cheese takes longer to melt smoothly.
• Fresh Garlic Matters: Bottled minced garlic works in a pinch, but fresh garlic provides better flavor.
• Season to Taste: Every taco seasoning blend is different. Taste before serving and adjust salt if needed.

Nutrition

Nutritional values are approximate and based on 6 servings.

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta FAQs