One Pan Taco Pasta

One Pan Taco Pasta is an easy, family-friendly dinner made with ground beef, pasta, and taco flavors. A quick weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

Taco recipes are my all-time favorite! I have so many on my blog most of my readers know how obsessed I am. It all started with my Taco Soup recipe.

It’s been a reader’s favorite for years so I thought that you all must love tacos just as much as me. Kindred spirits you could say.

So here you are my friends, another awesome taco recipe that I think you will love. 

How to make One Pan Taco Pasta:

This recipe is super easy to make, and the best thing is it is all made in one pot. Easy cleanup for this easy dinner.

Start by cooking your ground beef in a large pot. Then add in all your other ingredients and cook.

Once everything is cooked and the noodles are done, top with cheese and melt it. Once the cheese is melted you are ready to serve!

Ingredient Notes:

• Oil – I usually use olive oil, but avocado oil or vegetable oil work just as well. If your beef has a higher fat content, you can skip the oil.
• Ground Beef – Lean ground beef works great for this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option
• Taco Seasoning – This gives the pasta its signature taco flavor. A store-bought packet keeps things easy, or use homemade taco seasoning.
• Water
• Salsa – Use mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference. Chunky salsa adds texture, while restaurant-style salsa creates a smoother sauce.
• Elbow Macaroni – Classic and kid-friendly, elbow macaroni holds the sauce perfectly. You can substitute small shells, rotini, or penne if that’s what you have on hand.
• Shredded Taco Cheese Blend – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack all work well.
• Fresh Diced Cilantro – optional used for garnish.

Directions:

Step One – Prepare a large deep skillet or pot with nonstick cooking spray or oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook and crumble. Once cooked drain fat and return to the stovetop.

Step Two – Season beef with taco seasoning. Add in the water, salsa, and macaroni. Bring to a boil then stir, cover, and reduce heat. Allow to cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender and cooked through. Stir as need to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step Three – Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of cheese. Add remaining cheese. Add remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and place lid back on pot to allow the cheese to melt. Serve and enjoy!

Optional Step: You can top this with fresh diced cilantro or sour cream.

How to store this recipe:

Store this recipe in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days. This recipe can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheat this back in the large pot. Add some beef broth or water just to loosen everything up a little. Melt more cheese into it once it’s warm as well.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. You can reheat leftovers with a splash of broth.

Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, just use a similar size pasta so it cooks evenly.

Can I make this without tomatoes?
You can substitute with plain diced tomatoes or adjust to your preference.

Can I add extra ingredients?
Yes, black beans, corn, or extra cheese all work great.

Try some more One-Pot Meals:

Here are even more simple meals made in one pot.

One-Pot America Goulash: Goulash is a family favorite and makes it in one pot and less clean-up is my favorite. 

One-Pot Cheesy Chicken and Rice: This simple dish is one of my favorites. Chicken, cheese, and broccoli!

One-Pot Stuffed Pepper Casserole: A casserole all made in one pot and full of flavor. 

If you tried this recipe or any of my recipes I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below. You can also connect with me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, and YOUTUBE.

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