If you crave bold flavors and crave a dinner that practically cooks itself, you’re about to fall in love with One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta. This dish serves up tender pasta shells in a savory, taco-seasoned sauce, crowned with gooey melted cheese—every bite delivers the comfort of a weeknight favorite and the fun of taco night all in one. With easy cleanup thanks to just one pot, it’s a true dinner hero that manages to be both hearty and irresistibly cheesy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just looking to spice up your dinner rotation, One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is about to earn a spot in your recipe hall of fame.

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a breeze, and each one plays a unique role in building those craveable flavors and textures. These kitchen staples come together to create something extraordinary—rich sauce, satisfying protein, pasta that soaks up every ounce of goodness, and a melty cheese finish no one can resist.

Olive oil: Helps brown the beef and adds a subtle richness right from the start.
Ground beef: Brings classic taco flavor and hearty protein to the dish—feel free to swap for turkey or chicken if you like!
Yellow onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth that melts into the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Delivers aromatic intensity that perks up every bite.
Taco seasoning: The seasoning magic—packs the punchy, warming taco flavors we all love.
Beef broth: Provides savory depth and just the right amount of liquid for the pasta to cook.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): Brings brightness, tang, and juiciness to the mix.
Tomato sauce: Creates the silky base for the sauce and helps everything cling to the pasta.
Uncooked pasta shells: Perfect for soaking up all that cheesy taco goodness—plus they hold the sauce beautifully.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to perfection, giving the dish that signature cheesy stretch.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds creamy mildness and balances the sharper cheddar.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to bring out the best in every ingredient.
Optional toppings (chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced green onions): These are your ticket to even more flavor, color, and freshness.

How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

Heat up the olive oil in a big pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it sizzles—cook until it’s mostly browned, which should take about 5 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, drain off the excess before moving on. Next, stir in the diced onion and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes so it softens and becomes fragrant. Add in the minced garlic for just 30 seconds, so it releases its aroma without burning.

Step 2: Season Everything

Now sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring to coat the meat and onion mixture thoroughly. This is the moment One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta starts smelling like taco night, filling your kitchen with all those fiesta flavors we can’t get enough of. Make sure everything in the pot is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and the Pasta

Pour in the beef broth, the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Mix everything together until well combined, then scatter in the uncooked pasta shells. Give the mixture a good stir to ensure the pasta is completely submerged in the flavorful liquid so it cooks evenly.

Step 4: Simmer Until Perfect

Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover your pot and let everything cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent sticking. While it cooks, the shells get tender and drink up all that bold, saucy flavor—most of the liquid should be absorbed by the time the pasta is ready.

Step 5: Get Cheesy

Now it’s time for the fun part. Take your pot off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Watch them melt into the hot pasta, transforming the whole dish into a creamy, cheesy, ultra-comforting bowl of One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings

Ladle the pasta into bowls and pile on the optional toppings—maybe a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a hit of sliced green onions. Every spoonful is a celebration of cheesy, taco-inspired flavor!

How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Garnishes

Elevate your bowls with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a generous spoonful of cool sour cream, or a handful of sliced green onions. These garnishes add not only color and freshness but also an extra layer of flavor that makes this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta even more irresistible. A few jalapeño slices can kick up the heat if you’re feeling spicy!

Side Dishes

This one-pot wonder can easily stand alone, but if you want to round out your meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted corn on the cob. A platter of tortilla chips and guacamole is also always welcome at the table, giving you that full-on taco night experience, pasta-style.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, serve One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta in the center of the table with a DIY topping bar—let everyone personalize their bowl! For parties, scoop it into mini ramekins or taco bowls for a fun and festive appetizer. You can even stuff leftovers into bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake for a whole new twist the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let your One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a stellar option for meal preps and easy lunches.

Freezing

This pasta freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The cheese might lose a bit of its stretch, but the flavor stays incredibly satisfying.

Reheating

When you’re ready to dig in again, reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth or milk as needed to bring back the saucy goodness. Give everything a good stir, and top with fresh garnishes for that just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While shells are perfect for trapping the sauce, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni will work well in One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, since different shapes may soften faster or slower.

Is it spicy?

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is mildly spiced, thanks to the taco seasoning. If you or your family are spice lovers, feel free to add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or some crushed red pepper flakes for more heat. Want it milder? Opt for a mild taco seasoning packet.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or even black beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll keep all the savory, cheesy flavor of One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta, now totally meatless.

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

Give the pasta a good stir every few minutes while simmering, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid. If your pot tends to run hot, don’t be afraid to add a splash more broth or water so there’s plenty of sauciness for the shells to cozy up in.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just grab your biggest pot and double all the ingredients. Keep in mind that it may take a few extra minutes for the pasta to get perfectly tender, but the flavors will only get better in larger batches. Everyone will come back for seconds of this crowd-pleasing One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about a meal that brings comfort, big flavor, and zero stress all in one pot. If you’ve been searching for a way to jazz up weeknight dinners or impress friends with minimal effort, give One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta a try. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again—for both the taste and the ease!

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the delicious flavors of tacos and gooey cheese in this simple and comforting One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe. It’s a perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 packet taco seasoning
2 cups beef broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
8 oz uncooked pasta shells
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

Chopped cilantro
Sour cream
Sliced green onions

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced onion and cook until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook briefly.
Add seasoning and liquids: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat, pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
Cook pasta: Add uncooked pasta shells, bring to a boil, then simmer covered for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
Add cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper, serve hot with optional toppings.