Description
This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines seasoned ground beef, taco spices, and pasta in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it features tender pasta simmered in a savory tomato and salsa sauce, enhanced with corn and melted cheddar cheese, and finished with a fresh cilantro garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet (about 1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup salsa
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Broth
- 2 cups beef broth or water
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) uncooked pasta shells or macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix until the beef and onions are well coated.
- Add Tomatoes, Salsa, and Broth: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, salsa, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Add Pasta and Corn: Add the uncooked pasta and frozen corn, stirring well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your preference, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Add Cheese: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well incorporated into the pasta mixture.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with water, but broth adds more flavor.
- Use any small pasta shape like shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your desired spice level.
- Adding frozen corn is optional, but it adds a nice sweetness and texture.
- For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Garnish with additional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or sliced olives if desired.
