Hearty One-Pot Taco Pasta (Printable)

A savory blend of beef, taco spices, pasta, and cheddar cheese cooked together for a quick, hearty meal.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 small onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices & Seasonings

04 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pantry

07 - 2 cups beef or chicken broth
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
09 - 2 cups dry pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)

→ Dairy

10 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

→ Optional Toppings

11 - 1/4 cup sliced green onions
12 - 1/4 cup sour cream
13 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
03 - Sprinkle in taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the beef.
04 - Pour in broth and undrained diced tomatoes, then stir in dry pasta.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the pasta until fully melted and creamy.
07 - Plate hot and garnish with green onions, sour cream, and cilantro as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one vessel meaning almost zero cleanup afterward
  • The pasta absorbs all those taco flavors while simmering directly in the seasoned broth
02 -
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid as it sits so if you are reheating leftovers splash in a little extra broth or water
  • Using a pot with a tight fitting lid is essential because the pasta needs to steam in the covered pan to cook through evenly
03 -
  • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre shredded bags which contain anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
  • If the pasta seems dry before it is fully cooked add hot broth one quarter cup at a time rather than extending the cook time
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