Looking for a quick dinner that delivers bold flavors and cheesy, creamy goodness—all in one pot? Say hello to One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta, a delicious mashup of taco night and classic pasta that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. With seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, melty cheese finish, this dish is as comforting as it is simple to make.
The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction. I first discovered this tasty creation on Chef Maniac, and it instantly became a hit in my household. Follow along as I share this ultimate one-pot recipe that’s perfect for busy families or anyone craving a cheesy, taco-inspired meal.
A Fusion of Flavors
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta combines the best of two worlds: the bold, zesty flavors of a classic taco and the creamy, comforting texture of a pasta dish. It’s everything you love about taco night—ground beef, taco seasoning, and a bit of spice from diced tomatoes with green chilies—brought together with tender macaroni and gooey melted cheese.
Did you know that “one-pot” meals became increasingly popular in the 20th century as a way to save time and make cooking more accessible? This dish embodies that simplicity while delivering complex, satisfying flavors in every bite.
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Let’s break it down step by step so you can whip up this one-pot wonder tonight:
1. Start with the Base
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add a diced small onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with a packet of taco seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and ground pork, or swap in ground turkey for a leaner option.
3. Build the Flavor
Stir in a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and 3 cups of chicken broth. The diced tomatoes add a spicy kick, while the broth helps the pasta cook perfectly in one pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Pasta
Stir in 8 ounces of elbow macaroni (or your pasta shape of choice). Let the pasta cook in the flavorful liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This should take about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Get Cheesy
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt into the pasta, creating a creamy, irresistible sauce.
Pro Tip: For a sharper flavor, substitute some of the cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
6. Serve and Garnish
Serve your cheesy taco pasta straight from the pot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. For an extra touch of indulgence, pair it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips.
Why This Recipe Works
This one-pot wonder is a busy cook’s dream come true. By cooking the pasta directly in the seasoned broth, you save time while infusing the macaroni with incredible flavor. Plus, the combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates a creamy, stretchy sauce that coats every bite beautifully.
The addition of taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chilies gives the dish a Tex-Mex flair, while the optional cilantro garnish adds freshness and color. This meal is both hearty and comforting, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or black beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Upgrade: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Add Veggies: Stir in some diced bell peppers or corn for added texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Taco Pasta
While this dish is filling enough to stand on its own, you can elevate your meal with a few simple sides:
- A Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Tortilla Chips and Salsa: A crunchy side to complement the creamy pasta.
- Mexican Street Corn: Sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors pair beautifully with the cheesy pasta.
Make This Cheesy Comfort Dish Tonight!
There’s no better way to satisfy your craving for bold, cheesy comfort food than with this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor—perfect for busy nights or when you’re in the mood for something hearty and delicious.
Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Did you add any twists to make it your own? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your ideas. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family and follow for more easy and mouthwatering recipes from Chef Maniac.
One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe: A Quick, Flavor-Packed Dinner for Busy Nights!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 ounces of pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic powder and onion powder to the pot, stirring to combine with the beef.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and pasta.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until pasta is cooked to al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
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