Easy Taco Pasta is a one pot meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Loaded with your favorite taco ingredients, this creamy, cheesy dish is perfect for a weeknight meal!

You’ll also enjoy these Baked Beef Tacos , Instant Pot Taco Rice and Baked Beef Tacos.

pasta in black pan

I’ve got another quick and easy one-pot meal for you today, friends—beef taco pasta!

This Mexican-inspired dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with my favorite taco flavors. Best of all, it all comes together in one pot—no need to pre-boil the noodles or dirty extra dishes.

The hardest part? Just browning the ground beef. After that, your stovetop takes over, and dinner’s ready in 30 minutes.

It’s also easy to customize with your favorite toppings or spice level.

If you’re on the hunt for more taco recipes, this Taco Egg Bake will hit the spot.

pasta in black pan

Ingredients in Cheesy Taco Pasta:

This Cheesy Taco Pasta is the perfect one-pot comfort meal—quick, hearty, and loaded with bold taco flavors. With ingredients like ground beef, salsa, and melty cheddar cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights.

  • Onion
  • Ground beef
  • Salt and pepper
  • Beef broth
  • Salsa
  • Taco seasoning
  • Noodles
  • Corn
  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

How to Make Creamy Taco Pasta:

Making Creamy Taco Pasta is quick and simple—all in one pot! Just brown the beef and onion, then simmer everything together with noodles, salsa, and taco seasoning until tender. Finish it off with sour cream and melty cheese for a rich, creamy dish everyone will love.

  1. In a large pot (or large skillet), add onion and ground beef and brown and crumble ground beef an until no longer pink.
  2. Drain, wipe pot (if needed) and return to pot.
  3. Add salt and pepper (if desired), beef broth, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  4. Once mixture is boiling, add noodles, stir, and cover. Turn heat to low and simmer for 10-13 minutes, or. until noodles are tender and most of liquid is absorbed.
  5. Remove lid and stir in corn, cooking for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
  6. Remove pot from heat and stir in sour cream until combined. Then add shredded cheese and stir until melted. Garnish with sour cream, extra salsa, or guacamole (if desired) and serve immediately.

Taco Pasta Toppings:

While this taco pasta with corn is delicious on its own, I love to jazz it up by adding some toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Salsa
  • Cilantro
  • Guacamole
  • Sliced black olives
  • Diced jalapeños 
pasta in pan

What to Serve with This Meal?

I like to serve this dish with a fresh salad or garlic bread.

How Long Does this Last?

Pasta will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Tips for Making the Best Taco Pasta:

  • Be mindful of the cooking time when cooking noodles, depending on the type. Smaller pasta shapes will cook a bit quicker, while larger types may need a minute or two longer.
  • If you don’t have salsa on-hand: diced tomatoes would work well in its place.
  • Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo.
  • No beef broth? You can use chicken broth or water in its place.
  • Switch up or add more taco favorites to this dish! Black beans or jalapeños would be a tasty mix-in.
pasta in black pan

Looking for More Taco-inspired Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!

pasta in black pan

Easy Taco Pasta

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Easy Taco Pasta is a one pot meal that's ready in just 30 minutes. Loaded with your favorite taco ingredients, this creamy, cheesy dish is perfect for a weeknight meal!

Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ white onion, diced
  • Salt and pepper, if desired
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup salsa, any kind
  • 2 tablespoons (1 packet) taco seasoning
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta, such as cavatappi or rotini
  • 1 cup canned, fresh, or frozen corn
  • ¾ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot (or large skillet), add onion and ground beef and brown and crumble ground beef until no longer pink. Drain, wipe pot (if needed) and return to pot. 
  • Add salt and pepper (if desired), beef broth, salsa, and taco seasoning. Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat. 
  • Once mixture is boiling, add noodles, stir, and cover. Turn heat to low and simmer for 10-13 minutes, or until noodles are tender and most of liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove lid and stir in corn, cooking for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through.
  • Remove pot from heat and stir in sour cream until combined. Then add shredded cheese and stir until melted. Garnish with sour cream, extra salsa, or crushed tortilla chips (if desired) and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pasta will last in an airtight container for up to three days.
  • See my tips and tricks for making this Taco Pasta above the recipe box.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 524kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 28g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 88mg, Sodium: 1169mg, Potassium: 707mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 930IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 223mg, Iron: 3mg
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: Main Course
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.