Introduction

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines the zesty flavors of tacos with comforting pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s easy to prepare and full of cheesy goodness everyone will love.

A black pot filled with thick flat noodles covered in melted bright orange cheese, mixed with small chunks of browned ground meat scattered evenly throughout. On top, there is a generous layer of fresh green chopped scallions adding a pop of color. Light steam rises from the hot dish, showing it is freshly cooked. The pot is set on a wooden surface with a red cloth visible on the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch of black pepper
1 ounce packet taco seasoning (or about 3 1/2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
2 cups water
1 cup jarred mild salsa
8 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Season the beef with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning, stirring to combine evenly.
Step 3: Add the water, salsa, and uncooked rotini pasta to the pot. Stir well to mix all ingredients.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the shredded Mexican-style cheese over the pasta. Stir until the cheese melts and the dish is creamy.
Step 6: Serve warm, garnished if desired with fresh cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips & Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra veggies and texture.
Swap mild salsa for medium or hot to increase the spice level.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the pasta becomes too thick.

How to Serve

The image shows a black pot filled with cooked pasta and ground meat mixed together. On top of this base layer of orange pasta and brown meat, there are several folded slices of melted bright orange cheese positioned in the center. The dish is finished with chopped green onions scattered over the cheese, adding a fresh green color contrast. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a red cloth partially visible on the right side. Steam rises gently from the hot food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, shells, or bow ties will work well in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply omit the ground beef and use a plant-based protein or extra beans for a vegetarian version.

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 703 reviews

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and delicious weeknight meal combining flavorful taco-seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melty Mexican-style cheese, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum taste.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch of black pepper
1 ounce packet taco seasoning (or about 3 1/2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)

Liquids and Sauce

2 cups water
1 cup jarred mild salsa

Pasta and Cheese

8 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Season the Meat: Add salt, pepper, and taco seasoning to the browned beef. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the seasoning.
Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in 2 cups of water and 1 cup of jarred mild salsa. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked rotini pasta. Make sure the pasta is evenly submerged in the liquid.
Simmer and Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer until the pasta is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Cheese and Melt: Once the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican-style cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese melts and the pasta becomes creamy and cheesy.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Adjust the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa and taco seasoning.
For gluten-free pasta, use a gluten-free rotini variety.
Adding chopped onions and garlic at the start adds more depth of flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: one pot pasta, cheesy taco pasta, taco pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, Mexican style pasta