Who doesn’t love a quick, cheesy, and totally satisfying weeknight dinner? This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a game-changer, y’all! It’s a fun twist on classic taco night and so easy to make, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy families and picky eaters alike. Ready to ditch the takeout menus?
Top Reasons To Make It
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons! It’s budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the one-pot magic. Plus, it’s a blank canvas for customization. Add your favorite toppings and make it your own!
Ingredients
- Ground beef: For that classic taco flavor.
- Onion: Adds a savory base.
- Bell pepper: A touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Taco seasoning: All the spices you need in one packet.
- Beef broth: Creates a flavorful sauce.
- Pasta: I like rotini, but any short pasta works.
- Diced tomatoes: Juicy and tangy.
- Corn: A pop of sweetness.
- Cheese: Because everything’s better with cheese! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are all great choices.
You’ll find the exact measurements below in the recipe card. So, let’s dive in!
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the beef broth, pasta, diced tomatoes, and corn. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and gooey. So good.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile! For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or black beans. If you’re watching your carbs, try using cauliflower rice instead of pasta. Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. Honestly, if you hate heat, skip the cayenne. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Kid Friendly Serving Ideas
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is already a kid-friendly favorite, but here are a few ideas to make it even more appealing for your little ones: Let them choose their own toppings, such as sour cream, shredded lettuce, or crushed tortilla chips. Cut the pasta into smaller pieces for easier handling. Serve it with a side of their favorite fruit or veggies. This cheesy taco pasta is also a quick, easy, and fun meal for those busy weeknights. Looking for easy meals, and kid-friendly dinner ideas? Give this one a try!
Quick Cooking Tips
- For extra flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- Don’t overcook the pasta! It should be al dente, not mushy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth.
- Want a cheesy crust? Sprinkle some extra cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Have fun with it! This recipe is meant to be enjoyed.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra broth to prevent it from drying out. Please be mindful of food safety and discard any leftovers that have been sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta ahead of time? While it’s best served fresh, you can assemble the ingredients (except the cheese) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook according to the instructions when ready to serve, then stir in. Easy peasy, just like many of my other everyday food recipes.
What are some other kid-friendly Mexican recipes I can try? This nacho pasta dish is always a hit, plus it’s fun! Also, check out my cheesy chicken quesadillas or my simple beef tacos. They’re perfect for picky eaters and great for those looking for quick meals that don’t skimp on flavor! This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a winner, y’all. A comforting, cheesy, budget-friendly meal that the whole family will adore.
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One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a family-favorite comfort food that combines all the bold, zesty flavors of tacos with the creamy goodness of cheesy pasta. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and made in just one pot—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups beef broth
2 cups uncooked rotini pasta
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Pour in the beef broth, uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes, and corn. Stir well and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until fully melted and creamy.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.
Notes
This dish reheats well—store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Top with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy finish!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: taco pasta, cheesy taco pasta, one-pot dinner, ground beef pasta, easy taco pasta