Craving something tasty that doesn’t require a smorgasbord of dirty dishes afterward? Our One Pot Taco Pasta is the perfect merger between classic Mexican flavors and Italian comfort. This dish not only satisfies your pallet but also your hectic schedule, combining tender pasta, zesty taco spices, and ground beef in a one-pot wonder that’s ready in around 35 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Equipments
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Chopping board
How to Make One Pot Taco Pasta – Step By Step
Step 1: Start by browning the ground beef in your large pot over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring an even cook throughout. Once browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Allow the onion to become translucent.
Step 2: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture, stirring to fully coat the meat. This infusion of spices is where the dish starts to inherit its taco-like personality. Add a small splash of water if necessary to help distribute the seasoning.
Step 3: Next, pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes, stirring to incorporate with the seasoned beef. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. This liquid base is essential for cooking the pasta directly in the pot.
Step 4: Once boiling, add your pasta shells. Ensure they’re submerged in the liquid, which will allow them to absorb the bold flavors as they cook. Reduce to a simmer and cover, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
Step 5: After the pasta reaches al dente perfection, add shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring to melt and create a creamy, cohesive sauce. This step is crucial for a velvety finish that ties the dish together.
Step 6: Season as needed with salt and pepper. Finally, allow the dish to sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This will enhance the flavors and ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated.
How to Serve One Pot Taco Pasta
Serve your delectable One Pot Taco Pasta hot, directly from the pot to plate. For added flavor and a pop of color, sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top. A dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado can provide that extra Tex-Mex touch, making each bite delightful and complete.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
When choosing cheese, cheddar or a Mexican blended cheese works best for melting into a rich sauce, while medium pasta shells ensure the perfect balance of sauce to noodle. Swap for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or stir in black beans or corn for added texture and heartiness.
High-Protein Variation: Turbocharge Your Meal!
If you’re looking to boost the protein content, consider incorporating black beans or corn into the mix, or top the dish with grilled chicken. These additions can turn your cozy dinner into a meal prep powerhouse, ensuring you have rich protein in every serving.
Low-Carb Variation: Keep the Flavor, Skip the Carbs!
For those opting to minimize carbohydrates, substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These alternatives will maintain the essence of the dish while adhering to a low-carb diet. Embrace the same savory taste without compromising your dietary goals!
Storage Instructions
To store your One Pot Taco Pasta, allow it to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place in the freezer for up to a month and reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? – Absolutely, substitute the beef with black beans or a meat-free mince.
- What’s the best pasta for this recipe? – Medium shells work great but you can use alternatives like penne or rotini.
- Can I use leftover taco meat? – Yes, it’s a perfect recipe for repurposing cooked taco meat!
- How do I make it spicier? – Add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to kick up the heat.
- Is there a dairy-free option? – Use dairy-free cheese and skip the sour cream, or opt for a dairy-free alternative.
Wrapping up this Flavorful Journey!
Our One Pot Taco Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Its simplicity and rich flavor will make it a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the full-bodied flavors and easy cleanup. If you try it and love it, don’t forget to share the joy with family and friends, or leave your comments to inspire others!
One Pot Taco Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- taco seasoning
- chicken broth
- diced tomatoes
- pasta shells
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- onion
- garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
Steps
- Start by browning the ground beef in your large pot over medium heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring an even cook throughout. Once browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Allow the onion to become translucent.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture, stirring to fully coat the meat. This infusion of spices is where the dish starts to inherit its taco-like personality. Add a small splash of water if necessary to help distribute the seasoning.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes, stirring to incorporate with the seasoned beef. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. This liquid base is essential for cooking the pasta directly in the pot.
- Once boiling, add your pasta shells. Ensure they're submerged in the liquid, which will allow them to absorb the bold flavors as they cook. Reduce to a simmer and cover, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- After the pasta reaches al dente perfection, add shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream, stirring to melt and create a creamy, cohesive sauce. This step is crucial for a velvety finish that ties the dish together.
- Season as needed with salt and pepper. Finally, allow the dish to sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This will enhance the flavors and ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated.