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Easy One Pot Taco Pasta – Cheesy & Flavorful Dinner

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Easy One Pot Taco Pasta is a cheesy, bold, and comforting dinner made with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and rich taco flavors all cooked in one pot. It’s the perfect quick and family-friendly weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Microwave or Stovetop

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add taco seasoning, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Stir to ensure pasta is submerged in the liquid.
  6. Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

  • If the pasta absorbs too much liquid while cooking, add a splash of beef broth.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent a mushy texture.
  • For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese at the end.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/easy-one-pot-taco-pasta/