One-Pot Taco Pasta
If you love a quick dinner that checks every box, this One-Pot Taco Pasta is about to become a regular in your rotation. Everything cooks together in one pot, from the pasta to the sauce, making cleanup just as easy as the cooking.
It’s the perfect mash-up of taco night and pasta night, and the whole pot disappears faster than you’d think, especially with that melty cheese and creamy finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot = less cleanup
- Family-friendly flavors everyone loves
- High-protein option using Greek yogurt or high-protein sour cream
- Customizable with toppings like cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients You Need
This taco pasta keeps things simple with pantry-friendly ingredients:
- Ground beef and diced onion
- Taco seasoning packets
- Tomato paste or tomato sauce
- Dry pasta noodles
- Two cans of mild or fire-roasted green chiles
- Beef or bone broth
- Sour cream, high-protein sour cream, or Greek yogurt
- Mexican-blend shredded cheese
Those green chiles add the perfect pop of flavor without adding heat, and the creamy finish brings everything together in the silkiest sauce.
How to Make One-Pot Taco Pasta
1
Brown the Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot. Once it’s cooked through, add your diced onion and let it soften for a few minutes.
2
Add Seasoning + Tomato
Mix in both taco seasoning packets and the tomato paste or sauce. This lays the foundation for that deep taco flavor.
3
Add the Pasta + Broth
Drop in the dry pasta, both cans of green chiles, and pour in the broth. Everything cooks in the same pot so the pasta absorbs the flavor as it simmers.
4
Let It Simmer
Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and most of the broth has thickened into a sauce.
5
Make It Creamy & Cheesy
Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt. This adds a velvety, tangy richness.
Finish with a full bag of shredded Mexican-blend cheese. It melts into a dreamy, cheesy taco-flavored sauce.
6
Serve + Garnish
Spoon into bowls and top with cilantro or green onions for a fresh finish.
Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 packets taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp tomato paste OR ¼ cup tomato sauce
- 2 to 2½ cups beef broth or bone broth for extra protein
- 2 cups dry pasta noodles about 8 oz
- 1 small can diced green chiles 4 oz
- 1 small can green chilies or fire-roasted green chiles 4 oz
- 1 cup sour cream or 8 oz plain Greek yogurt
- 1 pack Kraft Natural Mexican Shredded Cheese about 8 oz
- Optional garnish: chopped cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
- Add aromatics: Toss in the diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Season it: Stir in both packets of taco seasoning and the tomato paste (or tomato sauce). Mix well until the beef is coated.
- Combine the pot: Add pasta noodles, both cans of green chiles/green chilies, and pour in 2 to 2½ cups beef broth. Stir together.
- Simmer to finish: Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat to medium and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Cream it up: Remove pot from heat. Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Cheese it: Add the full bag of Kraft Natural Mexican Shredded Cheese and stir until melted and saucy.
- Serve: Scoop into bowls and top with cilantro or green onions if you like a fresh finish.
