Easy One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta – Better Than Takeout

One pot cheesy taco pasta is a quick and easy dinner solution that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly creamy pasta every time. The crispy edges and melted cheese make this dish irresistible. Try it with my BEST RECIPE For Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls for a complete meal. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Try this with my Crispy Cast Iron Skillet Pizza for a complete meal. and For a lighter option, try my Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Pork Chops..

What You'll Need for Easy One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta – Better Than Takeout

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 1 lb pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• taco seasoning
• cumin
• chili powder
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• salt
• pepper
• Optional: chopped cilantro
• Optional: diced avocado
• Optional: sour cream
• Optional: sliced green onions

How to Make Easy One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta – Better Than Takeout

1. Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, cook ground beef, onion, and seasonings until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add diced tomatoes, black beans, and cooked pasta to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Add water to the pot until the pasta is just covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
5. Step 5: Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Storing & Reheating Easy One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta – Better Than Takeout

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the taco mixture and cook the pasta ahead of time. Combine and cook the pasta in the sauce just before serving.

Freezing Easy One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta – Better Than Takeout

Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and lean ground turkey or chicken.
• Best substitution: Substitute the ground beef for cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the taco mixture and cook the pasta ahead of time. Combine and cook the pasta in the sauce just before serving.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
• Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out. If it's too thin, cook it a little longer to reduce the liquid.

Easy One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta – Better Than Takeout

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

30 mins

⏳

Total

45 mins

🍽

Serves

6 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans
• 2 cups shredded cheese

Seasonings

• taco seasoning
• cumin
• chili powder
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• salt
• pepper

Optional Toppings

• chopped cilantro
• diced avocado
• sour cream
• sliced green onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, cook ground beef, onion, and seasonings until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add diced tomatoes, black beans, and cooked pasta to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Add water to the pot until the pasta is just covered. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
5. Step 5: Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a healthier version, use whole wheat pasta and lean ground turkey or chicken.
• Best substitution: Substitute the ground beef for cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the taco mixture and cook the pasta ahead of time. Combine and cook the pasta in the sauce just before serving.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve more or fewer people.
• Troubleshooting: If your sauce is too thick, add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out. If it's too thin, cook it a little longer to reduce the liquid.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Make ahead: Prepare the taco mixture and cook the pasta ahead of time. Combine and cook the pasta in the sauce just before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 75g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sat. Fat: 14g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Easy One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta – Better Than Takeout FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Easy One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta – Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!