Sizzling One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe: Fiesta Flavors Unleashed

Crafting a delightful one pot taco pasta brings together the zesty charm of Mexican-inspired flavors with comforting pasta convenience.

Spices dance through each bite, creating a meal that feels like a culinary adventure.

Weeknight dinners rarely come this exciting and simple.

Minimal cleanup means maximum enjoyment for everyone around the table.

Pantry staples transform into something magical with just a few smart moves.

Cheese melts perfectly, blending seasoned meat and tender pasta into a crowd-pleasing dish.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this quick and irresistible recipe.

Why One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe Is Worth Making

• Streamline Dinner Prep: Tackle meal preparation with this one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Combine the beloved tastes of tacos and pasta in a single dish that appeals to both kids and adults, creating a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños to personalize this versatile recipe and match individual preferences.
• Quick Comfort Food: Deliver a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy households craving a hearty and delicious dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste.

All The Ingredients For One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the taco pasta dish.

• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the recipe.
• Red Bell Pepper: Offers a vibrant color and fresh, slightly sweet crunch to the dish.

• Taco Seasoning, Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Cumin: These spices create a bold, authentic Mexican-inspired flavor profile for the pasta.

• Beef Broth, Heavy Cream, Tomato Sauce: These ingredients combine to create a creamy, savory sauce that coats the pasta.

• Uncooked Pasta, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The pasta serves as the main carbohydrate, while the cheese adds richness and a creamy texture.

• Oil: Helps prevent sticking and provides a medium for sautéing the vegetables and meat.

One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe Cooking Steps

Step 1: Sizzle and Prep the Base

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour in the oil and let it shimmer. Toss in the diced onion and chopped red bell pepper. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and release their delicious aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Beef with Spices

• Taco seasoning
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Salt
• Cumin

Cook and break apart the beef while it browns completely. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and dance together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Introduce the uncooked pasta to the skillet. Stir everything to combine, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches perfect al dente texture.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Remove the lid and sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts completely, creating a creamy, dreamy sauce that coats every inch of the pasta.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Give the dish a quick taste. Adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of taco-inspired flavors in every bite!

Little Tips For One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

• Quick Meat Draining: Use a slotted spoon or carefully tilt the skillet to remove excess fat after browning ground beef for a lighter dish.
• Pasta Perfection: Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the skillet.
• Spice Adjustment: Modify taco seasoning intensity by adding more or less according to your heat preference or using a homemade blend.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Shred cheese freshly and add off the heat to create a smoother, more evenly distributed creamy texture.
• Veggie Swap Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that maintains robust flavor profile.

Flavor Swaps For One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

• Vegetarian Taco Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a meat-free version. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for nutrition.
• Spicy Mexican Fusion: Incorporate jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure taco seasoning is certified gluten-free. Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner protein option.

Best Pairings With One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Crack open a crisp Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the bold taco pasta flavors, cutting through the richness with its refreshing carbonation.
• Create Southwest Sangria Splash: Mix red wine with fresh lime juice, orange slices, and a touch of tequila for a vibrant drink that echoes the recipe's spicy Mexican-inspired profile.
• Boost with Fresh Pico Topping: Sprinkle homemade pico de gallo over the pasta to add bright, tangy freshness that contrasts the creamy, hearty one-pot meal.
• Garnish with Cilantro Crunch: Chop fresh cilantro leaves and scatter on top to introduce a clean, herbal note that lifts the entire dish's flavor complexity.

How To Save One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe Safely

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or broth, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe Questions And Answers

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a different protein option.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe uses taco seasoning which has mild spices. If you want more heat, add extra chili powder or red pepper flakes to increase the spice level.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk for a similar creamy texture.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy one pot taco pasta delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with zesty flavors and hearty ingredients. Cheese-covered goodness combines ground beef, pasta, and bold seasonings for a quick weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 2¼ cups low sodium beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• 3 cups uncooked pasta (lumaconi, shellbows, macaroni, or small shells)

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, drizzling oil to coat the surface.
2. Sauté diced onions and vibrant red bell peppers for 2-3 minutes, allowing vegetables to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
3. Introduce ground beef with taco seasoning, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and cumin. Crumble and brown the meat thoroughly, eliminating any excess grease.
4. Pour in beef broth, rich heavy cream, and robust tomato sauce, creating a luxurious liquid base. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Incorporate uncooked pasta, stirring to ensure even distribution. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low, allowing pasta to cook for approximately 10 minutes until perfectly tender.
6. Uncover and fold in sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and forms a creamy, velvety sauce.
7. Perform a final flavor assessment, adjusting seasonings if desired. Serve the dish immediately while piping hot and at peak deliciousness.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version of this dish that still packs incredible flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without compromising the delicious taco-inspired taste profile.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning, giving everyone control over their preferred spice intensity.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process, ensuring smooth and stress-free meal preparation in just one skillet.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 531 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 381 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 89 mg