One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Taco Pasta is a flavorful and easy dish that combines the zesty taste of tacos with comforting pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s all cooked in a single pot, saving you time and cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 2 cups uncooked pasta shells
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the beef and onions are well coated.
4. Step 4: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir until well combined.
5. Step 5: Add the uncooked pasta shells and corn to the pot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged.
6. Step 6: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
7. Step 7: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
8. Step 8: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with black beans or textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth.
• Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack to add a spicy kick.
• Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños when sautéing onions for extra flavor and heat.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a half cup of sour cream or cream cheese at the end.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, most small or medium pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or macaroni will work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta is tender.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This pasta can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze before adding the cheese and add it fresh when reheating.

One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This One Pot Taco Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and cheesy goodness all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers the delicious taste of tacos in a comforting pasta format, with a rich tomato base and a hint of spice.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen corn

Liquids and Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese

• 2 cups uncooked pasta shells
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, making sure the beef and onions are well coated with the spices.
4. Add Tomato and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken or beef broth. Stir well until combined.
5. Combine Pasta and Corn: Add uncooked pasta shells and frozen corn to the pot. Stir to ensure pasta is evenly submerged in the liquid.
6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed.
7. Mix in Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
8. Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro if using. Serve hot.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to reduce fat content.
• Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to control spiciness level.
• If the pasta absorbs too much liquid before cooking through, add a splash of broth or water and continue simmering.
• Fresh cilantro adds a nice fresh touch but can be omitted if preferred.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Entree
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Keywords: One Pot, Taco Pasta, Ground Beef, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Cheesy Pasta, Tex-Mex