One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
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Get ready to fall in love with this One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta! It’s a dreamy combination of savory taco spices, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese, all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this easy recipe is packed with flavor and will have everyone coming back for seconds!
If you love cheese, tacos and pasta, you will go crazy for this cheesy taco pasta! This amazing one-pot pasta is so easy to make and is truly mouthwatering!
Why You’ll Love One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when you need a meal fast.
- Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze—no need to juggle multiple dishes!
- Family-Friendly: The bold taco flavors combined with creamy cheese make this a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level, swap in your favorite cheese, or even add extra veggies for a personalized touch.
- Comfort Food Bliss: This dish is the ultimate in cozy, satisfying meals that warm you from the inside out.
I love one-pot pastas! This is a perfect way to get dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes from start to finish! Best of all, there is only one pot to wash!
Ingredients For One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Ground beef or turkey – Provides the hearty base for the dish; choose whichever you prefer.
- Oil – Used for browning the meat and adding a touch of richness.
- Taco seasoning – Adds the signature taco flavor to the dish; you can use store-bought or homemade.
- Salsa – Brings in zesty, tangy flavors while keeping the pasta saucy.
- Pasta – Rotini or penne work best for absorbing all the flavors, but any short pasta can be used.
- Water – Necessary for cooking the pasta to tender perfection right in the pot.
- Shredded taco cheese – Melts beautifully into the pasta for a cheesy finish; look for pre-shredded for convenience.
- Salt and pepper – To taste, for rounding out the flavors.
For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
This cheesy taco pasta is a true comfort food. Pasta is simmered together in one pot with ground meat, taco seasoning and salsa – yummy! All these taco flavors permeate the pasta as it cooks together in one pot. Finally, a whole package of shredded cheese is stirred into the pasta as it melts away!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
- Large pot with lid – Essential for cooking the entire dish in one pot.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – Perfect for stirring the ingredients and preventing sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Helps ensure you add the right amount of each ingredient.
This one-pot taco pasta recipe is so simple and easy to make and tastes so good! So down-to-earth delicious and really hits the spot!
How To Make One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Step 1: Brown the ground meat in a pot.
Step 2: Add pasta, salsa and water.
Step 3: Bring to boil, then cover and simmer for 10 minutes (or until pasta is cooked).
Step 4: Stir In The Shredded Cheese
Enjoy this amazing cheesy one-pot taco pasta! YUM!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta with a Simple Green Salad with Crisp Vegetables for a balanced meal. A simple side of lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes pairs wonderfully.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Classic Guacamole on top of each serving for extra creaminess and a burst of flavor.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions over the dish for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Pair it with Homemade Tortilla Chips or warm Fluffy Dinner Rolls to scoop up every last bit of cheesy goodness.
- For a fun twist, serve this pasta in DIY Tortilla Bowls for a unique presentation.
Tips For Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh ground beef or turkey for the best flavor. If you’re using frozen meat, ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even browning.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta like rotini or penne works best because it holds onto the sauce and taco flavors perfectly. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti for this recipe.
- Monitor the Liquid: As the pasta cooks, check the liquid level. If the pot looks too dry, add water a little at a time to keep the pasta from sticking and ensure it cooks evenly.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. For the creamiest results, shred your own cheese from a block.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it mild, stick to medium salsa and regular taco seasoning. For more heat, use hot salsa or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Let the Pasta Rest: After mixing in the cheese, let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Double the Batch: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Cook extra for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Serve Immediately: While the dish stays delicious over time, it’s best enjoyed fresh and hot when the cheese is gooey and the flavors are at their peak.
Variations And Substitutions
- Protein Options: Swap the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. Shredded rotisserie chicken can also work as a quick substitute.
- Cheese Choices: While taco cheese is ideal, you can substitute it with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend. For a tangier option, try adding a bit of crumbled queso fresco on top before serving.
- Make It Spicier: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dish. Use spicy taco seasoning and hot salsa to turn up the spice level even further.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the pot for extra texture and nutrition. You can also stir in baby spinach or cooked zucchini at the end for a green touch.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb version. Adjust cooking times as needed since these alternatives cook faster.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and confirm that your taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free for a safe and delicious meal.
- Dairy-Free Version: Omit the cheese and stir in a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without dairy.
- Custom Seasoning: If you’re making your own taco seasoning, adjust the spices to your taste. Add extra cumin, smoked paprika, or garlic powder for a unique flavor profile.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating on the Stovetop: Add the pasta to a pot with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave Instructions: Place a portion of pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap and heat on medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until hot.
- Avoid Overcooking: Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pasta or causing the cheese to separate. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before serving to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While rotini and penne are ideal for holding the sauce, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or shells. Adjust the cooking time based on the pasta’s package instructions, and keep an eye on the liquid levels to ensure even cooking.
What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked after 10 minutes?
If the pasta is still firm, simply add more water (about ½ cup at a time) and continue simmering until it reaches your desired texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground meat with plant-based crumbles, diced mushrooms, or black beans. Adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain the bold taco flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
This dish has a mild kick from the taco seasoning and salsa, but it’s not overly spicy. To make it spicier, use hot salsa, add diced jalapeños, or mix in a dash of hot sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta reheats beautifully. Prepare it as directed, cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
How can I make homemade taco seasoning?
Homemade taco seasoning is easy to make with pantry staples. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the proportions to your taste and store in an airtight container.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Shredded taco cheese is ideal because it melts quickly and has a great flavor. Other good options include cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses. For extra creaminess, stir in a little cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
If you like this one-pot cheesy taco pasta, you will also love these easy recipes:
One-Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta – if you are a fan of cheesy taco, you’ll surely love cheesy sausage :) Just another epic one-pot pasta dish for cheese lovers!
Homemade Taco Seasoning – once you try making your own taco seasoning, you’ll never want to eat store-bought! Homemade taco spice is so much more potent and flavorful! Perfect to use in this cheesy taco pasta!
Oven Baked Tacos – perfect way to serve tacos for a crowd! Tacos are baked to perfection in a casserole dish, pre-assembled and ready to be eaten!
Taco Salad With Homemade Taco Shell Bowls – these crispy homemade tortilla bowls are amazing! Perfect way to serve taco salad!
Mexican Fajitas Pasta – another pasta recipe with a Mexican flair! If you love taco pasta, you will love this fajitas pasta!
One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 tsp oil
- 1 packet 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 jar 15 oz medium salsa
- 1 lb rotini or penne pasta
- 3 cups water
- 1 package 8 oz shredded taco cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and taco seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Add water, salsa and pasta to the pot with the cooked ground meat and mix everything. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir, cover and reduce heat to simmer.
- Cook for 10 minutes or until pasta is cooked. If more water is needed, add more water (1/2 cup at a time).
- When the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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