Hearty One-Pot Taco Pasta (Printable Version)

Savory ground beef, pasta, and taco spices meld in a creamy, one-pot Tex-Mex dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Cleanup takes literally two minutes because everything happens in one pan
  • It hits that perfect spot between taco night and spaghetti night
  • The pasta absorbs all those taco flavors while it cooks
  • You can customize the toppings however your family likes
02 -
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid even after you turn off the heat, so don't cook it until it's completely dry in the pan
  • Using a slightly larger pan than you think you need prevents boil-overs when adding the broth
  • Taco seasoning brands vary wildly in saltiness, so taste before adding extra salt
03 -
  • Use block cheese you shred yourself instead of pre-shredded bags for the smoothest melt
  • Grate a little extra cheese over the top right before serving for maximum appeal
  • If the pasta seems too thick, splash in a little more broth rather than water
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