Taco Pasta {One Pot!}
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
A quick and easy dinner of Taco Pasta that is made in one pot! Cheesy macaroni with hamburger, salsa, corn and more to make this a hit at your dinner table. Your entire family will love this easy Tex-Mex recipe!
Are one-pot dinners the best or what? I mean, being able to toss all the ingredients in one pot, cook them, and then have dinner on the table in 30 minutes without a giant mess in the kitchen is my idea of cooking heaven.
This Taco Pasta has everything you love about tacos like ground beef, salsa, and cheese but it all cooks in one pot on the stove for easy clean-up. If you’re tired of regular old tacos for Taco Tuesday then you have to give this easy dinner recipe a try! And after you try this, you should check out this One Pot Pizza Pasta to change up your pizza night.
Why This Recipe Works:
- It’s full of flavor, but only requires 7 ingredients that are probably already in your pantry or refrigerator!
- It cooks in one pot which means less mess to clean up!
- Packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes means it’s every busy family’s dream dinner recipe.
Ingredients Needed
If you’d rather skip my (very helpful, I think) tips and tricks, essential cooking info, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to this delicious one pot recipe – simply scroll to the bottom of the page where you can find the printable recipe card.
- Ground beef – We prefer beef for the flavor. Use a 90% lean ground beef for less grease. You could also use ground turkey or chicken.
- Salsa – Use a thick and chunky salsa. Control the heat of this dish by selecting either mild or hot.
- Tomato sauce
- Water
- Elbow macaroni – Feel free to substitute any pasta you have on hand that you need to use up. Try and use the same pasta and not mix shapes as they cook at different rates.
- Canned corn – Frozen corn can also be used, but it might add time to the recipe as it’s frozen and needs time to heat up.
- Cheddar cheese – For the ultimate melty cheese grab a block of cheese and grate it yourself!
Two Steps to Prepare Taco Pasta!
- Brown Beef – in a large pan, brown the beef over medium-high heat for five to seven minutes. Drain the grease once it’s cooked.
- Cook – add the salsa, tomato sauce, and water to the pan and bring it all to a boil. Add the macaroni and corn and simmer it for 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and cover the pan until the cheese is melted.
Not kidding, it’s that easy – seven ingredients, one pot, two steps and dinner is ready!
Topping Ideas!
- Guacamole
- Shredded Cheese
- Tortilla Strips
- Sliced black olives
- Diced Tomatoes
- Sour Cream
Helpful Tools
Can I use a different type of meat?
I prefer ground beef for this recipe because it cooks fast and is easy to eat with the pasta.
It’s better to go with a lean ground beef so your pasta isn’t greasy. If your beef is fattier you’ll want to drain off all of the excess grease before you add the liquids.
We love this with beef, but you could also substitute ground turkey!
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
One pot pastas can be tricky if you use a different pasta shape. Different pasta shapes have different cooking times, so if you use something other than macaroni it might not cook (or will overcook) in the time listed in the recipe.
If you use another type of pasta just watch the cook time and test it for doneness throughout the time!
Make it a Meal!
- Pair it with Restaurant Style Salsa and tortilla chips for a Mexican inspired meal!
- Roasted Vegetables round out any meal when you need an easy vegetable side dish.
- Toss a salad together or grab a salad kit to serve with this!
I’d love it you would rate this recipe!! A five-star rating will make my day!
Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats that way I’m sure to see your pictures!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 c. salsa
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 c. water
- 2 c. uncooked elbow macaroni
- 15.5 oz canned corn
- 1/2 c. sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Brown hamburger in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes. Drain grease off.
- Add salsa, tomato sauce and water to hamburger in skillet. Heat to boiling. Add macaroni and corn, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Stir occasionally.
- When macaroni is cooked sprinkle with cheese, replace cover and let stand until cheese is melted.
Tips
Video
Nutrition Information
Recipe adapted from: Betty Crocker
Rachel Eldredge says
I’ve made this recipe several times and my whole family loves it. Thanks for sharing! I’ve also linked to it from my blog so others can find it as well.
Julie Evink says
Thanks Rachel!
Laurie @ A Wiener Dog in the Kitchen says
Being from Texas, I’m crazy for anything Tex-Mex or Mexican and your Mexican Skillet Pasta looks quick, easy and delicious, which is right up my alley. Love your site!
The Better Baker says
I’m a Mexican food fantatic and know this dish would be GRANDIOSO! Thanks so much for sharing it at Weekend Potluck. Please come again soon.
Julie Evink says
Thanks!
Yvonne @ bitter baker says
Mmm, this pasta looks divine!! I love Mexican flavors in pasta dishes, makes the pasta so much more interesting than regular tomato sauce!
Julie Evink says
Thanks Yvonne!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets says
this looks fabulous and now I’m hungry!!
madge | the vegetarian casserole queen says
Ugh moving! So stressful…
Good luck with that and I love this recipe!
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
I could eat Mexican food every single night! Love how easy this pasta dish looks!!!
Shannon {Cozy Country Living} says
Yum! This looks really good! I love Mexican flavors and this looks simple to make too:) Thanks for sharing!
Julie Evink says
Thanks Shannon!
Krista @ joyfulhealthyeats says
Um… awesome! I have all these ingredients in the refrigerator right now! This sound and looks delicious. Great post. Also, following you on bloglovin and facebook now! 🙂
Julie Evink says
Welcome!!! Glad to have you here 🙂
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake says
ooh I’ve been wanting to make a mexican pasta and this sounds like the perfect one to try!
Julie Evink says
Thanks Stephanie!
Sharon Clements says
I made your meatloaf, dinner rolls, and crack potatoes last night for supper! They were SO good!! Best rolls I’ve ever made….and I’ve made a LOT of rolls….
Julie Evink says
Sharon! I’m so happy to hear that 🙂 The reason I blog is for things like this. You keep me going!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
Cinco de Mayo (and okay, like, everrrryyy day) is the perfect excuse to shove my face with Mexican food. And Mexican PASTA sounds even better. I need this!
Julie Evink says
I pretty much stick my face in FOOD every time chance I get. I don’t even need an excuse 🙂
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
I’m in love with all Mexican food – I’d eat this every day, no joke!
Julie Evink says
It’s so easy you could!!! But your family might tire of it 🙂
Vicky @ VeryVic.blogspot.com says
This looks great. We have a taco pasta that we make but this looks a lot easier to make than ours. Your mexican lasagna looks delicious too. I might have to check it out. Good luck with your move!
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
Better late than never, that’s totally right! mmmm I know so many people that would love this pasta!
Julie Evink says
Thanks Angie! Have a wonderful weekend 🙂