One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

Chef Emma here, and I’m about to share the recipe that saved dinner at my house more times than I can count.

You know those nights when everyone’s starving, you’ve got a pound of ground beef in the fridge, and zero energy to cook something complicated? That’s exactly when this one-pot creamy taco pasta with ground beef becomes your best friend.

This easy ground beef recipe combines all your favorite taco flavors with creamy, cheesy pasta—and it all happens in one pot. No separate pots for boiling pasta, no extra pans for sauce, just one beautiful pot that does everything. The pasta cooks right in the flavorful broth with the seasoned beef, soaking up all that delicious taco goodness.

See Also in MEALZYT.COM: One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

I created this recipe on a particularly chaotic Tuesday evening. The kids were asking what’s for dinner every five minutes, and I needed something quick, filling, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

What I love most about this dish is how it transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal. It’s become such a hit that my kids actually request it by name now.

This is one of those easy dinner recipes that feels like you spent way more time and effort than you actually did. The secret is letting the pasta cook directly in the seasoned broth, which infuses every bite with incredible flavor.

For more inspiration on quick one-pot meals that busy families love, check out The Cozy Cook’s collection of easy one-pot dinners, or explore Recipes by Clare’s guide to simple weeknight pasta dishes that come together fast.

One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

This One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef is a complete meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a creamy cheese sauce all cook together in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights!

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Servings: 6

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground beef 90/10
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 8 oz medium pasta shells
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (5-6 quart)
• – Wooden spoon
• – Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• – Ladle
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess grease, leaving 1 tablespoon.
2. Add butter to beef. Add diced onion and cook 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato paste. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Pour in beef broth, milk, and Rotel tomatoes. Bring to a gentle boil. Add uncooked pasta and stir.
5. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and simmer 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente.
6. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese and all Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy.
7. Let rest 2-3 minutes. Top with remaining cheddar and serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Drain excess grease from beef for best results. Stir frequently once pasta is added to prevent sticking. Let rest a few minutes after cooking to thicken sauce. Shred cheese from block for smoothest melting. Use mild Rotel for less spice. Store leftovers up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

CALORIES:
485

PROTEIN:
31g

RECIPEYIELD:
6 servings

Summary

This One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef is a complete meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a creamy cheese sauce all cook together in one pot for easy cleanup. It’s one of the best recipes with ground beef for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without the fuss.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

Equipment

Here’s everything you need to make this simple one-pot wonder:

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (5-6 quart capacity) – Essential for cooking everything together
• Wooden spoon – For stirring and breaking up the beef
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements
• Cheese grater – If using block cheese (freshly shredded melts better!)
• Ladle – For serving
• Sharp knife and cutting board – For chopping onions and garlic

Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 works best) – The protein base of this dinner recipe
• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and flavor
• 1 small onion, diced – About ½ cup for sweetness and depth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is best for maximum flavor
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning – Store-bought or homemade
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste – Concentrates the tomato flavor
• 10 oz can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies – Adds spice and texture
• 2 cups beef broth – Creates the cooking liquid
• 1 cup whole milk – Makes it creamy
• 8 oz medium pasta shells – Small shells work perfectly
• 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – For extra creaminess
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Diced avocado
• Extra shredded cheese
• Hot sauce

Directions for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat your large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and break it up with your wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the butter to the beef and let it melt.

Toss in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Seasonings

Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato paste.

Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and coat the beef mixture evenly. This step deepens the flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth, milk, and Rotel tomatoes with their juices.

Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked pasta shells and stir to submerge them in the liquid.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce heat to medium.

Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Remove the pot from heat.

Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.

Step 7: Serve

Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken.

Top with remaining cheddar cheese and your favorite toppings. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips and Variations

Chef Emma’s Pro Tips

• Don’t skip draining the beef: Even with lean beef, draining excess grease prevents the dish from being too oily and keeps the flavors balanced.
• Stir frequently: Once you add the pasta, stir every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Let it rest: The sauce will seem thin at first, but letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking allows it to thicken to the perfect consistency.
• Use quality cheese: Shred cheese from a block rather than buying pre-shredded. The pre-shredded kind has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Adjust the spice: If you have picky eaters, use mild Rotel or regular diced tomatoes instead. You can always add hot sauce at the table.

Delicious Variations

• Turkey Taco Pasta: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option
• Extra Veggie Version: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for more nutrition
• Spicy Kick: Use hot taco seasoning and add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper
• Creamy Southwest Pasta: Add ½ cup cream cheese along with the other cheeses for ultra-creaminess
• Chicken Taco Pasta: Use ground chicken or diced cooked chicken breast instead of beef
• Loaded Taco Pasta: Top with all the fixings—lettuce, tomatoes, olives, and sour cream

Make It Your Own

Different Pasta Shapes: While shells work great, you can also use penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just keep the cooking time similar.

Protein Swaps: Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat work wonderfully in this recipe.

Add More Vegetables: Diced bell peppers, frozen corn, or black beans make this even more nutritious and filling.

Serving Suggestions

This one-pot creamy taco pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with:

• Simple side salad with ranch or cilantro-lime dressing
• Warm flour tortillas or cornbread
• Mexican street corn (elote)
• Tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole
• Fresh fruit salad
• Refried beans on the side

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezer: This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition Facts in One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

Nutrition information is approximate and based on 6 servings. Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and toppings used.

Nutritional Highlights in One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

This hearty ground beef recipe packs an impressive 31 grams of protein per serving, making it perfect for active families and growing kids.

The combination of beef and cheese provides essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and B vitamins. While it’s not a low-calorie meal, it’s incredibly satisfying and keeps you full for hours.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily adjust it to meet your nutritional goals. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to increase fiber and vitamins without adding many calories.

Dietitian Tips for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

• Reduce calories and fat: Use 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey, and substitute part of the cheese with Greek yogurt for creaminess
• Increase fiber: Use whole wheat pasta and add black beans or extra vegetables like diced tomatoes and bell peppers
• Lower sodium: Make your own taco seasoning without salt, use low-sodium broth, and choose regular diced tomatoes instead of Rotel
• Boost vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach at the end—it wilts right into the pasta and adds vitamins without changing the flavor
• Make it lighter: Reduce cheese to 1 cup total and use 2% milk instead of whole milk
• Add healthy fats: Top with diced avocado for heart-healthy monounsaturated fats

FAQs for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works great in this recipe.

Penne, rotini, elbow macaroni, or even bowtie pasta are excellent choices. Just keep the cooking time similar and adjust as needed based on your pasta’s package directions.

Do I have to use Rotel tomatoes?

Not at all! If you can’t find Rotel or prefer less spice, use a regular can of diced tomatoes.

For extra flavor without heat, add a small can of diced green chilies separately. You could also use a can of fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function to brown the beef and cook the aromatics.

Add remaining ingredients except cheese, then pressure cook on high for 4 minutes with quick release. Stir in cheese after cooking. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What if my pasta absorbs too much liquid?

If your pasta looks dry before it’s fully cooked, simply add ½ cup more broth or water and continue cooking.

Every stove cooks a bit differently, so adjust the liquid as needed. The pasta should be barely covered while cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead.

Brown the beef and store it separately, pre-measure your seasonings, and shred your cheese. When ready to cook, everything comes together in under 30 minutes. Fully cooked pasta can be reheated with added liquid.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your taco seasoning and broth are certified gluten-free.

The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just note that gluten-free pasta may need a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Conclusion for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

This One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef is proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious.

With just one pot and 30 minutes, you can create a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of seasoned beef, tender pasta, and creamy cheese sauce hits all the right notes.

I love how versatile this recipe is—you can adjust the spice level for different family members, add whatever vegetables you have on hand, or swap proteins based on what’s in your fridge. It’s forgiving, flexible, and always delicious.

The best part? Only one pot to wash! As a busy mom, I can’t overstate how much I appreciate a delicious dinner that doesn’t leave me with a sink full of dishes.

This recipe has become a weekly staple in our house, and I have a feeling it will become one in yours too.

Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry teenagers, or adults who love good comfort food, this easy dinner recipe delivers every time. Give it a try tonight—your family will thank you, and your future self will appreciate that single pot sitting in the sink!

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