Feast Your Eyes & Taste Buds: The Ultimate One-Pan Taco Pasta Recipe for Busy Weeknights
This Easy Taco Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner — hearty, cheesy, and full of bold taco flavors! Everything cooks in just one pan for a fast cleanup, and the combination of ground beef, pasta, and melty cheddar makes every bite incredibly satisfying. Great for picky eaters, busy families, and meal prep!
Ingredients
Serves: 4 (2-cup servings)
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1 lb ground beef
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½ cup onion, finely chopped
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½ tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
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2 cups red bell pepper, diced
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2 tablespoons taco seasoning (low sodium)
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3 cups medium shell pasta (10 oz)
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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2 cups beef broth
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2 cups water
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
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Spray a large skillet or pot with olive oil and heat over medium-high for 3 minutes.
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Add the ground beef, onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned and no longer pink.
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Stir in the dry pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, broth, and water.
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Cover and bring to a boil (about 5 minutes).
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Remove the cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
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Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
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Serve hot — enjoy!
Notes
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Protein swaps: Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef!
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Extra veggies: Mix in corn, black beans, or zucchini for added nutrition.
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Make it spicy: Add jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
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Creamier texture: Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
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Meal prep friendly: Stays delicious for lunch the next day!