Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini works beautifully because its spirals catch the sauce, any short pasta like penne, bowties, or shells will work well. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape and thickness, so keep an eye on it as it cooks.

My family doesn't eat beef. Can I use something else?

Ground turkey or chicken makes an excellent substitute for beef in this recipe. If using poultry, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning since it contains less fat. For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based ground meat alternatives or add an extra can of beans.

Can I make this recipe less spicy for my kids?

Definitely! Choose a mild taco seasoning and mild salsa as your base. You can always set out hot sauce or diced jalapeños as optional toppings for family members who prefer more heat. The cheese also helps mellow any spiciness.

The recipe seems saucy at first – should I drain some liquid?

No need to drain anything! The pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it cooks and rests. If after the cooking time it still seems too soupy, let it sit uncovered for a few extra minutes. Conversely, if it looks dry, add a splash more broth.

One-Pan Taco Pasta Recipe

Name: One-Pan Taco Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 (15.25-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained; 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning; 1 cup jarred salsa; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, undrained; 2 cups beef broth; 8 ounces rotini spiral pasta; 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese; Sour cream; Salsa; Chopped cilantro; Sliced avocado; Black olives

This mouthwatering One-Pan Taco Pasta combines the zesty flavors of your favorite tacos with hearty pasta in a single skillet meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, and topped with melty cheese, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying that the whole family will devour. The best part? You’ll only have one pan to wash when dinner is done!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a Time-Saver: Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less prep work and minimal cleanup. Perfect for those hectic evenings when you’re juggling a million things!
Family-Friendly: The familiar taco flavors combined with pasta make this dish an instant hit with kids and adults alike. No need to prepare separate meals for picky eaters!
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef stretches nicely with pasta and beans, making this recipe economical for feeding a crowd or having leftovers.
Customizable: The optional toppings mean everyone can personalize their portion exactly how they like it, just like taco night but without all the separate components to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and classic taco flavor. I recommend using lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to avoid excessive grease, but you could substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Taco Seasoning: The flavor powerhouse that transforms this dish into taco heaven. Store-bought packets are convenient, but homemade works perfectly too if you prefer to control the salt and spice levels.
Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape captures the sauce beautifully in every bite. Its hearty texture stands up well to the bold flavors and doesn’t get mushy during cooking.
Black Beans: Adds fiber, protein, and authentic Mexican-inspired flavor. The undrained beans help create a luscious sauce while cooking.
Corn: Provides sweet pops of flavor and texture that balance the savory components. Frozen corn works too if you don’t have canned on hand.
Salsa: Brings instant flavor depth without chopping tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your heat preference.
Beef Broth: Creates the cooking liquid for the pasta while adding rich flavor. The pasta absorbs this as it cooks, concentrating all those delicious tastes.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth that enhances all the other flavors. Fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
Mexican Blend Cheese: Creates that irresistible melty, stretchy topping that makes everything better. Sharp cheddar or monterey jack also work beautifully.
Optional Toppings: These allow for customization at the table. Fresh elements like cilantro, avocado, and sour cream add brightness and creaminess that elevate the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious twists on this versatile recipe:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the beef and double the beans, or add crumbled plant-based meat alternative.
Spicy Fiesta: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat factor.
Chicken Taco Pasta: Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for the ground beef (add it near the end of cooking).
Creamy Taco Pasta: Stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese along with the shredded cheese for an indulgently rich variation.
Loaded Veggie Version: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra vegetables and nutrition.

How to Make One-Pan Taco Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain off the excess fat to keep your dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Return the skillet to medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking for just a minute until fragrant (but not burned). Add taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Ingredients

Pour in the salsa, drained corn, undrained black beans (the bean liquid helps create a rich sauce), and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine all those flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the dry rotini pasta and stir well. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid and cook right in the sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

When the pasta is tender, sprinkle the Mexican cheese blend over the top. Turn off the heat, replace the lid, and let it rest for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve straight from the skillet, allowing everyone to add their favorite toppings like sour cream, additional salsa, sliced avocado, or chopped cilantro.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Watch the Pasta Texture: Check the pasta a few minutes before the suggested cooking time ends. Different brands may cook faster or slower, and you want it perfectly al dente.
Keep It Covered: The lid is crucial during cooking to trap steam that helps cook the pasta evenly. Remove it only for occasional stirring.
Layer Your Cheese: For extra cheesy goodness, mix some cheese into the pasta before adding the rest on top.
Don’t Rush the Melting: That 5-minute rest time with the heat off allows the cheese to melt perfectly without overcooking the pasta.
Season Thoughtfully: The taco seasoning and salsa already contain salt, so taste before adding additional seasoning.

How to Serve

This versatile one-pan wonder can be served in multiple ways to keep dinnertime interesting:

Main Dish:

Serve in bowls topped with your favorite taco fixings – a dollop of sour cream, fresh diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and an extra splash of salsa create the perfect finish.

Taco Bar Style:

Set out the pasta alongside bowls of different toppings and let everyone customize their own portions – perfect for family dinner or casual entertaining.

Side Dish Pairing:

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a complete meal that balances the hearty pasta with something fresh.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve overnight as they meld together, making this dish excellent for meal prep.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. The pasta may absorb more liquid during freezing, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce. Microwave reheating works too – cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini works beautifully because its spirals catch the sauce, any short pasta like penne, bowties, or shells will work well. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape and thickness, so keep an eye on it as it cooks.
My family doesn’t eat beef. Can I use something else?

Ground turkey or chicken makes an excellent substitute for beef in this recipe. If using poultry, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil when browning since it contains less fat. For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based ground meat alternatives or add an extra can of beans.
Can I make this recipe less spicy for my kids?

Definitely! Choose a mild taco seasoning and mild salsa as your base. You can always set out hot sauce or diced jalapeños as optional toppings for family members who prefer more heat. The cheese also helps mellow any spiciness.
The recipe seems saucy at first – should I drain some liquid?

No need to drain anything! The pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it cooks and rests. If after the cooking time it still seems too soupy, let it sit uncovered for a few extra minutes. Conversely, if it looks dry, add a splash more broth.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Taco Pasta is truly the best of both worlds – all the comforting satisfaction of a pasta dish combined with the vibrant flavors of taco night! It’s become my go-to recipe for those evenings when I want something delicious but don’t have the energy for an elaborate meal. The beauty lies in its simplicity and how it transforms everyday ingredients into something special. Give it a try tonight, customize it with your family’s favorite toppings, and watch it quickly become a regular request in your household!