Hearty One-Pot Taco Pasta (Print Version)

A savory Tex-Mex dish combining seasoned beef, pasta, tomatoes, and melted cheddar in one pot.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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, adjust to taste
06 - 1/4 tsp ground 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

# How to Make:

01 - Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
03 - Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to combine evenly.
04 - Pour in broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in dry pasta thoroughly.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and liquid mostly absorbed.
06 - Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the hot pasta until melted and creamy.
07 - Ladle into bowls and optionally garnish with green onions, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms weeknight dinner from stressful to manageable with just one pot to wash
  • The flavors meld together in ways that two-pot methods never achieve, creating a rich, cohesive dish
02 -
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid even after you remove it from heat, so dont cook it until every drop of liquid is gone or it will turn mushy
  • Using a skillet thats too small will cause the liquid to bubble over and make a mess, so grab your largest pan with high sides
03 -
  • Make your own taco seasoning by mixing chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne
  • Grate your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre shredded bags for a much creamier result
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