This Easy Cheesy One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Bake Recipe is a quick and easy dinner made with simple ingredients. With the kids back in school and evenings filled with homework and sports practice, finding easy meals is a must.

finished taco pasta bake in fry pan with green napkin under bottom right corner of pan. Bundle of parsley in the top right corner. Words One Pot Taco Bake in top left corner.

Thanks to Barilla Ready Pasta, this delicious recipe comes together fast—even without a full kitchen. I made it using just a hot plate and a microwave during our kitchen renovation, and my husband was thrilled to finally have a homemade meal.

WHY I LOVE Easy Cheesy One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Bake Recipe

Quick and Easy Recipe– It comes together with under 30 minutes cooking time, perfect for an easy weeknight meal
One-Pot Wonder – Less mess and fewer dishes for easy cleanup.
Cheesy Goodness – Every bite is loaded with melty, gooey cheese
Taco Night Twist – All the classic taco flavors in a fun, cheesy taco pasta bake.
Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, tomatoes or fresh cilantro.
Family Favorite – It’s kid-approved and always a hit at the dinner table with the whole family.

seasoned ground meat in a fry pan being stirred by a spatula.

INGREDIENT NOTES

Ground Beef – Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease. Ground turkey or chicken works as a lighter alternative.
Taco Seasoning – A store-bought packet is quick and easy, but homemade seasoning works just as well if you prefer to customize the flavor.
Barilla Ready Pasta – This microwaveable pasta saves time, but any cooked pasta like penne or rotini can be used.
Shredded Cheese – Sharp cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend melts well. For a creamier texture, try adding Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack.
Toppings – Sour cream, cheese, chopped tomatoes, black olives, and fresh cilantro add flavor and texture. Other options include green chiles, avocado, chunky salsa, tortilla chips, or black beans.

HOW TO MAKE Easy Cheesy One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Bake Recipe

Preheat your oven to 400°F—because melty, bubbly cheese is the best kind of cheese!
In a small cast iron skillet (or any oven-safe pan), brown the ground beef over medium heat. If there’s extra grease, go ahead and drain it.
Sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix into the taco meat and pour in the water. Give it a stir and let it cook for a minute or two until everything’s nice and flavorful.
Pop the Barilla Ready Pasta in the microwave and heat it according to the package instructions—just 60 seconds and it’s good to go!
Add the warmed pasta to your beef mixture and stir until everything is combined.
Stir in half of the shredded cheese (because more cheese = more yum!), then sprinkle the rest on top.
Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Take it out of the oven and add a dollop of sour cream plus your favorite toppings—think juicy tomatoes, black olives, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve it up warm and watch it disappear.

shredded cheese being sprinkled on ground meat in a fry pan.

QUICK TIPS

Warm the pasta while the beef cooks to save time.
Use a cast iron skillet so you can go from stovetop to oven without switching pans.
Drain excess grease from the beef to keep the dish from becoming oily
Shred your own cheese for better melting and a creamier texture.
Add extra taco seasoning or chili powder if you want a bolder, spicier flavor.
Prep toppings ahead of time for an easy finishing touch after baking.

finished taco pasta bake in fry pan with green napkin tied around the handle and a packet of Barilla ready made pasta in the top left corner.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for those busy weeknights When ready to eat, bake at 400°F until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Can I use regular pasta instead of Barilla Ready Pasta? Yes, cook about 8 ounces of your favorite type of pasta in a large pot according to the package instructions before adding it to the beef mixture.
What other meats can I use? Ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat substitutes work well
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, let it cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What other toppings work well? Try adding sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, red onion, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Also featured on The Southern Plate website.

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Easy Cheesy One Pot Beef Taco Pasta Bake Recipe

One Pot Taco Pasta Bake has all the delicious flavors of a taco with pasta instead of a corn tortilla shell.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings: large servings or 4 small

Calories: 598kcal

Author: Lise Sullivan Ode

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ ½ pound ground beef
▢ ½ package taco seasoning
▢ ½ cup water
▢ 1 pouch Barilla Ready Pasta Penne
▢ ½ cup grated cheddar cheese or more if desired
▢ Garnish with sour cream and the toppings of your choice such as chopped tomatoes black olives and fresh cilantro

Instructions

Brown meat in a small cast iron skillet or frying pan. Add taco seasoning and water. Heat for a minute or two while stirring.
Heat Barilla Ready Pasta according to package instructions (tear corner and heat in microwave for 60 seconds on high).
Add pasta to meat mixture. Stir to combine. Stir in half of the cheese, then add the rest to the top. Place in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. (Note: make sure the pan is oven safe.)
Garnish with sour cream and your favorite toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, black olives and fresh cilantro.