Zesty and flavorful, this One Pot Taco Pasta is an amazing 20-minute meal. It offers a nutritious twist on a classic comfort dish thanks to high-protein pasta.
Using jarred salsa is great for a shortcut without sacrificing flavor and quality, and this veggie-packed meal is made in a single pan for minimal cleanup. Simple and only five ingredients, this dish is perfect for those nights when you want a wholesome, satisfying dinner on the table in as little time possible!
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🩵 About This Recipe
Looking for a fun and easy dish to shake things up on taco night? This amazing taco casserole pasta dish is a major lifesaver on busy weeknights!
Made all in one skillet, this dish only requires 5 ingredients and the prep is super easy. The result is a cheesy, bold dish with familiar flavors but a fun new presentation to keep things fresh and exciting!
Can't get enough taco-inspired flavors? Try my One Pot Cheesy Taco Skillet or this Hearty Crock Pot Chicken Taco Soup!
🧂 Gather Your Ingredients
- ground beef - I used a lean ground beef for this recipe, but feel free to use whatever you typically pick up at the grocery store.
- taco seasoning - use a packet from the store or make your own Homemade Taco Seasoning.
- salsa - choose your favorite jarred salsa to give this dish lots of flavor.
- rotini pasta - there are a lot of pasta shapes that work with this dish, but I like rotini to pick up more of the delicious sauce!
- shredded cheddar cheese - adds a rich, creamy texture and sharp, tangy flavor that melts into the pasta.
🔪 Let's Make One Pot Taco Pasta!
(Or click here to jump right to the recipe card with measurements!)
Brown Ground Beef
Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium high heat. Once mostly browned, add the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
Cook Pasta
Add rotini and salsa to the pan, along with just enough water to cover the pasta.
Boil and Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add Cheese
Mix well, then sprinkle cheese over top. Cover with a lid for a minute or so to melt the cheese, then serve and enjoy!
💡 Expert Tips and Tricks
- Be sure to use a fairly deep skillet so there's plenty of room for the pasta to cook.
- Don't be alarmed if the sauce still seems a little thin - it will thicken up a bit as it cools slightly.
- For the best melty cheese, buy a block of cheddar and shred it yourself. A lot of pre-shredded cheeses have a thin coating on them to prevent sticking, but it can also make them less melty.
❔ FAQs
This is likely due to undercooking or adding too much water. Start with less water than you think you might need, then add a tablespoon or so more at a time until you're sure you'll have enough to cook all the pasta!
Most taco seasoning blends include cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes are also sometimes included.
I typically prefer to use a leaner ground beef to keep things on the lighter side.
📝 Substitutions and Variations
- Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used for a slightly lighter version of this dish.
- For some extra protein and fiber, stir in canned black beans. Canned corn is also great for a bit of extra flavor.
- Hot sauce or diced jalapenos can provide some additional heat.
Kristin's Kitchen Tip
No need to cook your pasta in a separate pot - everything in this recipe cooks in the same dish for super easy clean up!
🥡 Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers of this taco casserole, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or return to a pot over the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of water or your choice of broth to loosen up the sauce. Be sure to give everything a good stir as well to redistribute everything properly.
Keep It Handy
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🍴 What To Serve With This Dish
Serve with sour cream, diced avocado, or fresh chopped cilantro for flavor and color. You can also pair with tortilla chips for dipping, or serve a light salad on the side. And to really make the flavors pop, squeeze some fresh lime juice over top of your taco pasta before serving.
😋 More Easy One Pot Recipes You'll Love
- One Pot Tomato Shrimp and Orzo - Sun-dried tomatoes and tender shrimp come together with pasta in a creamy sauce for the ultimate one skillet meal!
- One Pot Pasta Curry with Vegetables - Refreshing and flavorful, this is a great way to put more veggies on the table.
- One Pot Spicy Thai Noodles - Heat things up in the kitchen with this bold dish inspired by Thai cuisine.
- One Pot Ziti with Sausage - This amazing dish from Spicy Southern Kitchen is packed with hearty flavors and filling ingredients!
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One Pot Pasta Taco Casserole
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📋 Recipe Card
25 Minute One Pot Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 16 ounces salsa
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (I used chickpea pasta)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large, deep skillet brown the ground meat over medium-high heat until fully cooked. If there is a lot of fat, drain it off. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.1 pound ground beef, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Pour in the entire jar of salsa and the dry pasta. Add just enough water (usually 1.5 to 2 cups) so the pasta is almost completely submerged. Mix well.16 ounces salsa, 8 ounces rotini pasta
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 8-10 minutes (check your pasta package for "al dente" timing).
- Remove the lid. Mix well. (There will likely still be some liquid that hasn't been absorbed. This will thicken up a bit as it stands.)
- Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and replace the lid for 1 minute until the cheese melts.1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Notes
Prep Tips:
- Use a deep skillet or pot so there's enough room for the pasta to cook evenly.
- Let the pasta sit for a few minutes after cooking so the sauce can thicken up.
Variation Suggestions:
- You can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of the ground beef.
- Stir in black beans for extra protein and fiber, or corn for extra flavor.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños if you want a little heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with sour cream, diced avocado, or chopped cilantro.
- Serve with tortilla chips or a simple green salad on the side.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage Info for Leftovers:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir well after reheating to redistribute the sauce and cheese.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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