The One Pot Pasta I Make When Taco Night Meets Pasta Night

Name: Cheesy Taco Beef Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as medium shells, macaroni, or rotini); 1 15- ounce can canned diced tomatoes (don't drain or 1 cup salsa picante); 1 15- ounce can canned black beans (drained and rinsed); 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen); 2 ¼ cups chicken broth; 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded (1 cup)); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ - 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; ½ teaspoon salt or more to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Optional toppings; sour cream; salsa; green onions; cilantro; jalapenos; lime wedges

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If you’re looking for a super quick, easy, and totally family-friendly dinner, this Cheesy Taco Beef Pasta is my go-to. It’s one pot, full of flavor, and the kind of meal where everyone asks for seconds.

You'll also find this recipe in our 44 Easy 30-Minute Weeknight Dinners.

For more ideas, check out our Brussels Sprouts Bacon Pasta.

A forkful of taco beef pasta shells with corn and sour cream is lifted from a bowl garnished with sliced green onions.

Plus, it comes together in about 30 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

🛒 Ingredients

Ground beef – The star of the show! You can swap in turkey or chicken if you want a leaner version.
Taco seasoning – Brings all the Mexican vibes. Homemade or store-bought both work.
Pasta – Medium shells are my fave because they trap all that cheesy, saucy goodness. Macaroni or rotini works too.
Black beans – Adds protein and makes it a little heartier. Kidney or pinto beans work in a pinch.
Cheddar cheese – Melty, gooey, cheesy perfection. Pepper jack is fun if you want a little kick.
Corn – Sweetness in every bite! Frozen or canned is fine, just drain if canned.
If you love quick weeknight dinners, try cabbage and beans dinner skillet, mediterranean zucchini stew or pan fried chicken thighs next for more family-friendly meals.

👩‍🍳 You'll find the complete list of ingredients below the recipe card.

🥘 How To Make Cheesy Taco Beef Pasta

Place the beef in the pan: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat so the sauce stays nice and creamy.
Add the seasonings: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until everything smells amazing and fragrant.
Add the pasta and mix-ins: Stir in the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes (or salsa), black beans, corn, chicken broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir so everything is evenly mixed.
Simmer until pasta is tender: Bring the pan to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. Add a splash more broth if it looks dry.

Browned ground beef sits in a green Dutch oven with a dollop of ketchup added on top.

Browned ground beef in a Dutch oven is topped with garlic powder and taco seasoning, not yet stirred in.

Shell pasta, ground beef, corn, and diced tomatoes simmer together in a Dutch oven.

Add the cheese: Once the pasta is tender, stir in the cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy.
Season and serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like sour cream, salsa, or green onions.

Shredded cheese is piled on top of cooked taco beef pasta shells in a Dutch oven before stirring in.

Finished cheesy taco beef pasta shells topped with sliced green onions fill a Dutch oven.

Rita's Tip

Make sure to stir often while simmering so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.

📋 Tips

Don’t overcook the pasta, it should be tender but still a little bite.
Brown the beef well for extra flavor, it really makes a difference.
Draining the beef fat keeps the sauce from getting too greasy.
Taco seasoning is flexible, add more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
Frozen corn is a lifesaver, no need to thaw before tossing in.
Cheese goes in last for that melty, creamy magic.
Use salsa instead of canned tomatoes for a little extra kick.
Optional toppings like sour cream or cilantro make it feel extra special without extra effort.

A bowl of cheesy taco beef pasta shells is topped with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onions.

🍱 Storage Instructions

🍱To Store. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🥶Freezing. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
🔥To Reheat. Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, or microwave until heated through.

What To Serve With Cheesy Taco Beef Pasta

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well, store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and add a splash of broth when reheating since the pasta absorbs liquid as it sits.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, macaroni or rotini both work well in place of medium shells, just adjust the simmer time based on the package directions.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, swap the ground beef for extra black beans and corn, or a plant-based ground meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Fun Variations to Try

Extra Spicy - use pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapenos for more heat.
Bean-Free Version - leave out the black beans if you prefer a simpler, meatier pasta.
Chicken Taco Pasta - swap the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

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Before You Go

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