If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s bursting with flavor and comes together with minimal fuss, the One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine all the zesty magic of tacos—spiced beef, tangy tomatoes, creamy cheese—wrapped up in tender pasta shells, all cooked together in a single pot. It’s saucy, melty, and perfectly satisfying, whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a table full of friends. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the delicious results!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple ingredients working together to deliver big, bold flavors. Every item here has a purpose, from the savory ground beef to the creamy cheeses, each adding its own special something to the final dish. Gather these kitchen staples for a meal that’s as easy as it is irresistible.

Ground Beef (1 lb): The hearty foundation, bringing rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
Yellow Onion (1 small, diced): Adds sweetness and depth that balances all the savory notes.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant punch that boosts the overall taste.
Taco Seasoning (1 packet or 2 tbsp homemade): The blend that ties everything together with classic taco flavor.
Beef Broth (2 cups): Provides the liquid for cooking the pasta and infuses every bite with umami richness.
Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 15 oz, with juices): Adds tang and juiciness to the sauce.
Tomato Sauce (1 can, 8 oz): Brings a silky, tomatoey base that melds all the flavors.
Uncooked Medium Pasta Shells (2 cups): Perfect little pockets for holding all the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 ½ cups): Melts into the pasta for that signature gooey, cheesy finish.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (½ cup): Adds creaminess and a mellow cheese flavor that complements the cheddar.
Sour Cream (½ cup): Makes the sauce incredibly creamy and adds a hint of tang.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used to sauté the aromatics and start the base of the dish.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and customizing the seasoning.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro & Sliced Green Onions (optional): Fresh garnishes that add color and a burst of flavor at the end.

How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it soften for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing browns too quickly. Once the onion is translucent and fragrant, add the minced garlic. Give it about 30 seconds to bloom and release all its aroma—this quick step sets the foundation for the One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Next, add the ground beef directly into the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks so you get those little crumbles that soak up all the flavor. Let it brown evenly, then drain off any excess fat if needed. This ensures your pasta stays rich but not greasy, and each bite is packed with savory, taco-inspired goodness.

Step 3: Add Seasoning and Liquids

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix well so every bit of beef is coated. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with all their juices), and tomato sauce. Stir in the uncooked pasta shells, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. The shells will soak up all the flavors as they cook, making this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe a true comfort food delight.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a luscious, saucy base.

Step 5: Make it Cheesy and Creamy

With the heat turned off, stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Watch as the cheeses melt into the pasta, transforming everything into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. Give it a taste and adjust with salt and pepper as you like—this is your moment to make it truly your own.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Spoon the hot pasta into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, like a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or sliced green onions. Serve it right away while it’s gooey, melty, and irresistible. Every forkful is a fiesta of flavor that’s sure to make this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe a regular in your dinner rotation.

How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches make all the difference! A handful of chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that beautifully complements the creamy, cheesy richness of the dish. If you want an extra kick, try a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a squeeze of lime right before serving.

Side Dishes

Since the One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe is hearty and filling, you don’t need much on the side. A simple green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette or a bowl of sweet corn is perfect for balance. Warm tortilla chips and guacamole also make a fun, festive pairing for a taco-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into a taco night party by serving the pasta in individual bowls with a toppings bar—think diced tomatoes, sliced olives, crushed tortilla chips, or extra cheese. For a family-style approach, bring the whole pot to the table and let everyone dig in. You can even stuff leftovers into bell pepper halves, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day! Just make sure the pasta is cooled completely before storing to keep it fresh and safe.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The creamy cheese sauce will thicken a bit, but a splash of broth or milk when reheating brings it right back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until hot, stirring halfway through. Top with a bit of fresh cheese or herbs to refresh those flavors, and your One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe will taste just as delicious as the day it was made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While medium pasta shells do a great job of capturing all that cheesy sauce, feel free to use penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as smaller or thinner shapes may cook a bit faster.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you love extra heat, swap in pepper jack cheese for some of the Monterey Jack, or add diced jalapeños (either fresh or pickled) when sautéing the onions. A dash of hot sauce stirred in at the end is a quick way to amp up the spice, too.

Can I make this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or canned black beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get all those bold taco flavors in a meatless, hearty meal.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Give the pot a good stir once or twice while the pasta is simmering. Making sure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid at the start also helps. If you notice sticking, just scrape the bottom gently with a wooden spoon—no worries!

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Just use a generously sized Dutch oven or stockpot to ensure even cooking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the simmering time and stir a bit more often, but the One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe scales up beautifully for parties or meal prep.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and simple enough for any night of the week. The One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe checks every box, and it always brings smiles to the table. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a new family favorite!

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and hearty one-pot cheesy taco pasta combining seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a creamy blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
2 cups beef broth
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
½ cup sour cream
1 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta and Cheese

2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Seasonings and Garnish

Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, then add beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and the uncooked pasta shells. Mix everything well to combine.
Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir in Cheese and Sour Cream: Turn off the heat. Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot immediately.