One-Pot Taco Pasta (Printer View)

Savory ground beef blended with pasta, spices, and cheese cooked together for a warming family dish.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 small onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

04 - 2 tbsp taco seasoning
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Pantry

07 - 2 cups beef or chicken broth
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
09 - 2 cups dry pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)

→ Dairy

10 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

→ Optional Toppings

11 - 1/4 cup sliced green onions
12 - 1/4 cup sour cream
13 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

# Method:

01 - In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon; about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef; cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
03 - Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper, coating the beef evenly.
04 - Pour in broth and diced tomatoes with juices; stir in dry pasta.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 12 to 15 minutes.
06 - Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the hot pasta mixture until melted and creamy.
07 - Dish hot portions topped with sliced green onions, sour cream, and chopped cilantro as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One pot means minimal cleanup, which honestly is half the battle on busy nights.
  • The pasta absorbs all the taco-seasoned broth, making it far more flavorful than any side dish could be.
  • It's genuinely affordable and uses ingredients you probably already have tucked away.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the browned meat if there's excess fat; it changes the texture from creamy to greasy.
  • Stir occasionally while simmering so the bottom doesn't catch; the dry pasta sitting in liquid needs attention to cook evenly.
03 -
  • Don't waste money on pre-shredded cheese for this; freshly shredded cheddar melts smoother and more evenly into the sauce.
  • Tasting as you go and adjusting seasoning at the end prevents a bland pot and gives you control over spice level.
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