Name: Cheesy Taco Pasta: Best 20 Minute One Pot Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 onion; 1 packet taco seasoning; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup salsa; 8 ounces pasta shells; 2 cups cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup cilantro

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Imagine a meal that combines the zesty flavors of a taco with the comforting texture of a creamy pasta. This recipe is my go-to solution for busy weeknights when I need something satisfying but have very little time. I first made this for my family on a rainy Tuesday and it quickly became a requested favorite. It is simple, hearty, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. We will use ground beef and rich beef broth to create a deep, savory base that everyone will enjoy.

Why You Will Love This Cheesy Taco Pasta

You are going to absolutely love this dish because it brings that perfect creamy texture without needing any complicated steps. It is the ultimate comfort food that you can get on the table in about 30 minutes. The best part for me is that it is a one-pot meal. You do everything in a single pan which means you won’t be stuck cleaning up a huge mess in the kitchen after dinner is over.

Ingredients for Your Cheesy Taco Pasta

One pound of ground beef
One packet of taco seasoning
One small onion diced
Two cloves of garlic minced
Eight ounces of pasta shells
Two cups of beef broth
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Substitution Tips

If you want to try something different you can use ground chicken or ground turkey instead of the beef. It works just as well and still tastes great. I always suggest using beef broth instead of water or other liquids. The broth soaks right into the pasta as it cooks and gives the whole dish a much deeper and more savory flavor profile.

How to Make Cheesy Taco Pasta

Making this is honestly so easy and straightforward. You are basically going to cook everything in one skillet. Since the pasta boils right in the sauce it picks up all those spices and flavors perfectly. It is a simple way to feed a hungry family without needing to boil a separate pot of water or drain anything.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is cooked you can toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Let those sauté for a few minutes until they are soft and smell amazing. Pour in the beef broth and the taco seasoning then stir in the dry pasta shells. Bring the mixture to a boil then turn the heat down and let it simmer until the pasta is tender. At the very end you just stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is all melted and gooey.

Timing and Preparation

The beef usually takes about 7 minutes to brown and get the onions softened up. Once you add the broth and the shells you will need to let the pasta simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. All together you are looking at a total time of around 25 to 30 minutes from the time you start until you are ready to eat.

Expert Tips for the Best Cheesy Taco Pasta

One thing that might be confusing is the amount of liquid in the pan when the pasta is done. Do not worry if it looks a little bit soupy at first. The sauce will thicken up quite a bit as it stands for a minute or two. You do not want to overcook the pasta by trying to evaporate every single drop of broth because that will make the noodles too soft. Just take it off the heat and let it rest and it will turn into a perfect creamy sauce.

Storage and Reheating Cheesy Taco Pasta

If you have any leftovers you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat it again I recommend adding a little splash of broth before you reheat it. This helps the cheese sauce get creamy again so the pasta does not end up feeling dry.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheesy Taco Pasta

Can I use different pasta shapes? Yes you can definitely use rotini or penne because they both do a great job of holding onto the sauce.
How can I make it spicier? You can add some diced jalapeños when you sauté the onions or just add a few dashes of hot sauce at the end.
Is this dish freezer-friendly? You can freeze it but the texture is really at its best when you serve it fresh.

Estimated Nutritional Information

This information is an estimate per serving.

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 2g