One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the best of taco night with the convenience of a one-pot meal. This dish brings together savory ground beef, seasoned with cumin, garlic, and onion, and pairs it with pasta for a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal. The addition of tomatoes with green chilies provides a subtle heat, while the combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses creates a creamy, melty sauce that envelops the pasta.

This recipe is a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful, hearty meal that can be made in just one pot, cutting down on both cooking time and cleanup. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to please everyone around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta because it combines all the flavors of your favorite tacos into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. It’s rich, comforting, and bursting with savory spices. With minimal ingredients and the convenience of one-pot cooking, it’s an ideal dish for busy nights when you want a quick and satisfying meal. The combination of ground beef, cheese, and spices creates a savory filling dish that’s both hearty and flavorful.

The versatility of this recipe also makes it perfect for customization. You can adjust the spice level, add more vegetables, or substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Ground cumin
Dried minced onion
Garlic powder
Tomato paste
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel brand preferred)
Beef broth
Whole milk
Water
Shell pasta
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Mild cheddar cheese, shredded

Variations

This recipe is easy to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs:

Meat Alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Spicy Kick: For more heat, add some jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the mixture.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or black beans to make it even heartier and more nutritious.
Cheese Variations: If you prefer different cheeses, you can swap in pepper jack, queso blanco, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Once the beef is cooked, add the ground cumin, dried minced onion, garlic powder, and tomato paste to the beef. Stir well to coat the beef in the spices and tomato paste, allowing the mixture to cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, whole milk, and water to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts simmering, add the shell pasta and stir. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded Monterey Jack cheese and mild cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the cheesy taco pasta hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired. For extra flavor, you can also add sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta. It will continue to cook a little after you remove it from the heat.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a milder dish, use a mild version of diced tomatoes with green chilies, or omit the chili part. To add more spice, consider using spicy salsa or hot taco seasoning.
Use a Heavy Pot: Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even cooking and prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Stir Occasionally: Stir the pasta occasionally while it simmers to prevent it from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.

How to Serve

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is filling on its own but pairs well with a variety of sides:

Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad, perhaps with a zesty lime dressing, to balance the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: A side of warm, buttery garlic bread complements the cheesy pasta perfectly.
Taco Toppings: Add your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, fresh cilantro, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Cornbread: Serve with a side of cornbread for a comforting, Southern-inspired meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesy taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, add a little milk or water to restore the creamy texture, as it may thicken in the fridge. Heat gently over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, elbow macaroni, or rotini for this recipe.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken would work well in this recipe as a leaner alternative to beef.

3. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, add some diced jalapeños, chili powder, or use spicy diced tomatoes with green chilies for an extra kick.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Monterey Jack and cheddar with other cheeses like pepper jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.

5. Can I add beans to the recipe?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans would be a great addition to the dish, adding extra fiber and texture.

6. Can I use cream instead of whole milk?

Yes, using cream will result in a richer, creamier sauce. You can also use half-and-half as an alternative.

7. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn.

8. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for beef broth if you prefer.

9. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

10. Can I freeze the leftover pasta?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a delicious, quick, and easy meal that brings together the flavors of tacos with the comfort of cheesy pasta. Perfect for busy nights, this dish is packed with savory ground beef, cheesy goodness, and flavorful seasonings, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. Whether you enjoy it as is or customize it with additional ingredients, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. It’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table!