One Pot Taco Beef Pasta
One Pot Taco Beef Pasta
Reasons to try One Pot Taco Beef Pasta
This recipe is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. It brings together the hearty flavors of taco seasoning and beef with the comfort of pasta, all cooked in one pot! You’ll love not only the delicious taste but also the minimal cleanup afterward. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week.
How to make One Pot Taco Beef Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the pasta, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and corn to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or green onions.
How to serve One Pot Taco Beef Pasta
This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or tortilla chips for added crunch. Consider topping it with a dollop of sour cream or some avocado slices for extra creaminess.
How to store One Pot Taco Beef Pasta
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until hot or reheat on the stove with a splash of beef broth to restore moisture.
Tips to make One Pot Taco Beef Pasta
- For extra flavor, try adding black beans or bell peppers to the mix.
- You can adjust the spice level by using a spicier taco seasoning or adding jalapeños.
- If you want to make it a bit healthier, swap out regular pasta for whole grain or chickpea pasta.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you like, but keep in mind the cooking time may vary.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
The pasta should be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. Check the package instructions for cooking times as a guide.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze the pasta dish in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
One Pot Taco Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option
- 1 onion, diced Yellow or white onion works well
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic recommended for best flavor
- 1 packet taco seasoning Adjust spice level by using mild or spicy seasoning
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini) Choose your favorite pasta shape
- 3 cups beef broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for vegetarian version
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces) No salt added tomatoes can be used for less sodium
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) Fresh corn can be used in season
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) For best melting, use freshly shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference
- Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Cooking
- Add the pasta, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and corn to the pot. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
