Description
A quick and easy One-Pot Beef Taco Pasta recipe ready in just 30 minutes! This family-friendly meal combines taco flavors with pasta, featuring seasoned beef, melty cheese, and a touch of spice—all cooked in one pot for effortless cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups uncooked pasta (shells, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or more cheddar)
- ½ cup frozen or canned corn (optional)
- ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish
- Sour cream and tortilla chips, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Season the Beef: Add taco seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato sauce. Stir in the uncooked pasta.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Extras: Stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted. Add corn and black beans if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with cilantro or green onions. Serve with sour cream and tortilla chips if desired.
Notes
- Make it Spicier: Add jalapeños, extra red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.
- Use Different Meat: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and taco seasoning.
- Extra Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be added.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Keywords: One-pot taco pasta, beef taco pasta, easy dinner recipe, 30-minute meal, taco pasta skillet