One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
A simple one-pot pasta layered with beef, a mild taco seasoning, and a creamy cheese sauce that picky eaters love. This mexican-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, finely chopped medium onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1, finely chopped medium onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp mild taco seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz), undrained diced tomatoes
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef with 1 finely chopped medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, stirring and breaking up the meat until browned and onion is translucent, about 6-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp mild taco seasoning, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 3 cups beef broth, 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup sour cream until melted and creamy. Serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta?
Mexican pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
