Description
One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines all the delicious flavors of taco night with the heartiness of pasta. This easy, one-pot recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick to make and full of flavor. Ground beef, taco seasoning, pasta, and melty cheese come together for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple. It’s a family favorite that’s perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning blend)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes:
- Stir in the taco seasoning, making sure it coats the beef and onions well.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain), and add the beef broth. Stir to combine.
- Add the Pasta:
- Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- Add Cream and Cheese:
- Once the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the One Pot Beef Taco Pasta hot, garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. Optionally, serve wit
Notes
- Make It Spicy: For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dish when adding the taco seasoning.
- Vegetarian Version: You can replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a meat substitute to make this dish vegetarian.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70