One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef (30 Minutes!)

Chef Maxime discovered the magic of one-pot meals during his busiest years working double shifts in restaurant kitchens. When he finally arrived home exhausted, the last thing he wanted was a sink full of dishes.

That’s when he created this creamy taco pasta recipe that combines the bold flavors of taco night with comforting pasta in a single pot.

This one-pot creamy taco pasta with ground beef transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into something extraordinary.

The savory ground beef mingles with tender pasta shells in a luscious, cheese-laden sauce infused with zesty taco seasonings. Best of all, everything cooks together in one vessel, making cleanup as easy as the cooking process itself.

See Also in FAMILLYRECIPES.COM: One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

This one-pot creamy taco pasta brings together seasoned ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, tangy tomatoes, and a velvety cheese sauce in under 30 minutes. Everything cooks together in one vessel for easy cleanup.

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Servings: 6

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound lean ground beef 90/10
• 12 ounces pasta shells or rotini
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2½ cups beef broth
• 1 cup salsa medium heat
• 1 can 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 4 ounces cream cheese cubed
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven (5-6 quart with lid)
• Wooden spoon
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese Grater

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté 2-3 minutes.
2. Add ground beef, breaking apart with wooden spoon. Cook 5-6 minutes until browned.
3. Drain excess fat if needed. Add garlic and taco seasoning, stir 30-60 seconds.
4. Pour in beef broth, salsa, and diced tomatoes. Stir and bring to boil.
5. Add pasta, stir well to submerge. Reduce to medium-low, cover, simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from heat. Add cream cheese cubes, stir until melted.
7. Stir in sour cream and half the shredded cheese until creamy.
8. Top with remaining cheese, cover 1-2 minutes to melt. Serve hot with toppings.

Notes

Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking.
Add broth if mixture becomes too thick.
Let cream cheese reach room temperature for easier melting.
Store leftovers up to 4 days in refrigerator.
Freezes well up to 3 months.

Summary

This one-pot creamy taco pasta brings together seasoned ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, tangy tomatoes, and a velvety cheese sauce in under 30 minutes. The recipe eliminates the need for multiple pots and pans while delivering restaurant-quality flavor that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Each bite offers the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and that irresistible creamy texture everyone craves.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, preparing a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this easy ground beef recipe delivers consistent results without demanding advanced cooking skills or exotic ingredients.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American
Course: Dinner, Main Course

Equipment for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

• Large pot or Dutch oven (5-6 quart capacity with lid)
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (optional, for draining fat)
• Cheese grater if using block cheese

Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7 lean ratio)
• 12 ounces pasta shells or rotini – holds sauce beautifully
• 1 medium onion, diced – adds aromatic depth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – essential flavor base
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning – the signature spice blend
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing

Liquid Components

• 2½ cups beef broth – creates the cooking liquid
• 1 cup salsa (medium heat) – adds tangy tomato flavor
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies – brings texture and spice

Creamy Elements

• 4 ounces cream cheese – creates silky richness
• ½ cup sour cream – adds tangy creaminess
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend – for ultimate cheesiness

Optional Toppings

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced green onions
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Extra sour cream
• Crushed tortilla chips
• Lime wedges
• Diced avocado

Instructions for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes until the meat is fully browned with no pink remaining.

Step 2: Season and Flavor
Drain excess fat from the pot if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning to the beef. Stir continuously for 30-60 seconds until the spices become fragrant and coat the meat evenly.

Step 3: Add Liquids
Pour in the beef broth, salsa, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir everything together, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These flavorful bits add incredible depth to your creamy taco pasta.

Step 4: Add the Pasta
Increase heat to bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked pasta shells to the pot. Stir well to ensure all pasta pieces are submerged in the liquid. The pasta will absorb the seasoned broth as it cooks.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the mixture to simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should reach al dente texture, and most of the liquid should be absorbed.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
Remove the pot from heat. Cube the cream cheese and add it to the hot pasta, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. The residual heat will help blend the cream cheese smoothly into the sauce.

Step 7: Add Final Touches
Stir in the sour cream and half of the shredded Mexican cheese. Mix thoroughly until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy and coats every piece of pasta. The cheese should melt completely, creating a velvety texture.

Step 8: Top and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly. Serve immediately while hot, offering various toppings so everyone can customize their bowl.

Nutrition Facts in One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

Nutritional Highlights

This recipe with ground beef provides an impressive 30 grams of protein per serving, making it an excellent choice for muscle maintenance and satiety. The combination of lean beef and cheese delivers essential nutrients including iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and zinc.

The pasta contributes complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, while the tomatoes and onions add vitamins, minerals, and beneficial antioxidants. Using lean ground beef helps manage the fat content without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Dietitian Tips

• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra fiber and nutrients
• Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium beef broth and taco seasoning to cut sodium by 30%
• Lighten the dish: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cheese
• Add whole grains: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber
• Control portions: Stick to 1.5 cups per serving and pair with a large side salad
• Make it leaner: Choose 93/7 or 96/4 lean ground beef to reduce saturated fat

Tips and Variations for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

Cooking Tips

• Don’t skip stirring: Stir the pasta every 3-4 minutes while simmering to prevent sticking
• Watch the liquid: If pasta absorbs liquid too quickly, add ¼ cup broth or water at a time
• Room temperature cream cheese: Let cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes for easier melting
• Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides better flavor than garlic powder
• Taste and adjust: Add extra taco seasoning or salt at the end if needed for bolder flavor
• Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes after cooking for the sauce to thicken

Protein Variations

• Ground turkey version: Substitute lean ground turkey for a lighter option
• Chicken twist: Use rotisserie chicken, shredded, added in the final steps
• Vegetarian option: Replace beef with black beans, pinto beans, or plant-based crumbles
• Mixed meat: Combine ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor depth
• Seafood fusion: Add cooked shrimp during the last 2 minutes of cooking

Flavor Variations

• Extra spicy: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the beef mixture
• Southwest style: Mix in corn, black beans, and diced red bell peppers
• Cheesy supreme: Double the cheese and add a layer of pepper jack for extra kick
• Ranch taco fusion: Add 1 packet of ranch seasoning along with the taco seasoning
• Fajita-inspired: Include sautéed bell peppers and use fajita seasoning instead of taco seasoning

Pasta Shape Options

• Shells: Classic choice that catches and holds the creamy sauce perfectly
• Rotini: Spiral shape grabs sauce in every twist
• Penne: Tube shape allows sauce to fill the center
• Cavatappi: Corkscrew pasta adds visual appeal
• Bowtie (farfalle): Fun shape that kids especially enjoy

Make-Ahead and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
• Reheat stovetop: Add 2-3 tablespoons of broth or milk while reheating to restore creaminess
• Reheat microwave: Cover and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each
• Meal prep: Divide into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week

Serving Suggestions

• Taco bar style: Set out various toppings and let everyone customize their bowls
• Side salad: Pair with a crisp romaine salad with lime-cilantro dressing
• Bread option: Serve with warm garlic bread or cornbread muffins
• Chips and dip: Offer tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa on the side
• Fresh vegetables: Add celery and carrot sticks for crunch and nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works wonderfully in this one-pot creamy taco pasta. Penne, rotini, cavatappi, or bowtie pasta all capture the sauce beautifully. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine as they don’t incorporate as well in one-pot cooking methods. The cooking time remains approximately the same regardless of shape.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
Create your own blend by mixing 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. This homemade version allows you to control the sodium and spice level perfectly.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pasta frequently during cooking, especially in the first few minutes after adding it to the pot. Make sure there’s enough liquid covering the pasta, and keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Using a pot with a wide bottom helps distribute heat evenly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and substitute dairy-free shredded cheese. The texture will be slightly different, but the dish remains delicious. Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor.

Why is my sauce too thin or too thick?
Sauce consistency depends on pasta absorption rates and cooking time. If too thin, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes to reduce liquid. If too thick, add beef broth or milk 2 tablespoons at a time until reaching desired consistency. The sauce also thickens as it cools.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use a very large pot or Dutch oven (at least 7-8 quarts). You may need to increase cooking time by 3-5 minutes to ensure all pasta cooks evenly. Stir more frequently when doubling to prevent sticking. Consider cooking in two separate pots if your cookware is smaller.

Conclusion for One-Pot Creamy Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

This one-pot creamy taco pasta with ground beef proves that weeknight dinner recipes don’t need to be complicated to taste amazing. The combination of seasoned beef, tender pasta, and rich cheese sauce creates a meal that satisfies everyone at the table while keeping cleanup minimal. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a weekly staple because it delivers comfort and convenience in equal measure.

Whether you’re new to easy dinner recipes or an experienced home cook looking for time-saving solutions, this dish belongs in your regular rotation. The flexibility to customize ingredients and toppings means you’ll never get bored, and the one-pot method respects your time without compromising on flavor. Try it once, and it’ll become your go-to answer for meals that need to be on the table fast.

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