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

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

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.
Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, making sure the beef and onions are well coated with the spices.
Add Tomato and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken or beef broth. Stir well until combined.
Combine Pasta and Corn: Add uncooked pasta shells and frozen corn to the pot. Stir to ensure pasta is evenly submerged in the liquid.
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.
Mix in Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
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