Chef Rachel discovered this one-pot creamy taco pasta with ground beef while searching for easy dinner recipes that satisfy the whole family. This simple meal combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a velvety cheese sauce in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the cleanup.
The creamy taco-flavored sauce clings to every bite of pasta, creating a dinner recipe that rivals any takeout option.
This easy ground beef recipe requires minimal prep and just one pot, meaning less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hosting a casual dinner party, this creamy taco pasta delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors that everyone loves.
See Also in FAMILLYRECIPES.COM: One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Equipment for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef
- Large Dutch oven or high-walled pot (4-6 quart capacity)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Box grater (for shredding cheese from block)
- Colander or strainer for draining ground beef
Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 oz packet taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 8 oz medium pasta shells
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes (or substitute ¾ cup shredded cheese)
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Avocado slices
Instructions for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef
- Shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese from a block and set aside at room temperature for better melting.
- Cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven or high-walled pot. Drain excess grease and return beef to the pot.
- Melt the butter in the same pot with the beef and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, chicken broth, whole milk, and Rotel tomatoes with their liquid. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the pasta shells and submerge them completely in the liquid.
- Cover and cook according to package instructions (typically 10-12 minutes), stirring halfway through to prevent sticking. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot.
- Remove the cover and test a noodle for doneness. If needed, cover and cook for additional 1-2 minutes until pasta reaches desired tenderness.
- Turn heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it stands.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or diced tomatoes.
One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Shred cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese from a block and set aside at room temperature.
- Cook and crumble ground beef over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven. Drain grease and return beef to pot.
- Melt butter in the same pot with beef and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, chicken broth, milk, and Rotel tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil. Add pasta shells and submerge completely in liquid.
- Cover and cook according to package instructions (10-12 minutes), stirring halfway through with a silicone spatula.
- Test a noodle for doneness. If needed, cover and cook 1-2 minutes longer.
- Turn heat to low. Gradually stir in all cheeses until fully melted and creamy.
- Let pasta rest 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Use all chicken broth or all beef broth instead of a combination if preferred.
Add frozen corn, bell peppers, black beans, or jalapeños for extra vegetables.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore creamy consistency. Calories: 485
Protein: 32
Servings: 6
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Calcium | 285mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
Based on 6 servings
Tips and Variations for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef
Cheese Options
Shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese for the creamiest, smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Substitute pepper jack cheese for Monterey Jack to add extra spice and heat to your dish.
Protein Swaps
Use ground turkey or ground chicken as leaner alternatives to ground beef for easy ground beef recipes. Add cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken at the end of cooking instead of ground beef for a chicken taco pasta variation.
Pasta Alternatives
Try rotini, penne, bow tie pasta, or elbow macaroni instead of shells, adjusting cooking time according to package instructions. This recipe makes generous sauce, so feel free to use up to 12 oz of pasta if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Vegetable Additions
Stir in frozen corn, diced bell peppers, black beans, or sliced jalapeños during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and texture. Sautéed onions and zucchini also work beautifully in this one-pot meal.
Spice Level Adjustments
Use mild Rotel tomatoes for kid-friendly versions or hot Rotel for spice lovers. Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh jalapeños to increase heat levels.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency. Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Dairy Alternatives
Substitute the whole milk with additional chicken broth if you prefer a less creamy sauce, or use half-and-half for an even richer texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for recipes with ground beef. Adjust cooking times slightly for leaner meats, as they brown faster than ground beef, and drain any excess liquid to maintain the proper sauce consistency.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot?
Stir the pasta halfway through cooking and use a silicone spatula to scrape along the bottom of the pot, ensuring nothing sticks or burns. Make sure the pasta stays fully submerged in the liquid during cooking, and maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil.
Can I make this taco pasta recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely, just swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety made from brown rice, chickpeas, or corn. Check the package instructions for cooking times, as gluten-free pasta sometimes requires slightly different timing than traditional wheat pasta.
Why is my sauce too thin or too thick?
The sauce thickens as it stands and the pasta continues absorbing liquid after cooking. If your sauce is too thin, let it rest uncovered for 5 minutes or simmer on low heat to reduce. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
This one-pot creamy taco pasta with ground beef transforms simple pantry staples into an impressive dinner recipe that the whole family craves. The combination of tender pasta, seasoned beef, and creamy cheese sauce creates comfort food at its finest, while the single-pot method makes cleanup effortless. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes for hectic weeknights or meals that satisfy picky eaters, this taco pasta delivers every time with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
More recipes in mealzyt.com, famillyrecipes.com, nutrientsrecipes.com