Description
This One-Pan Taco Pasta is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that combines the flavors of classic tacos with creamy pasta. Ground beef is cooked with taco seasoning, salsa, corn, and black beans, then simmered with rotini pasta in beef broth until tender. Topped with melted Mexican blend cheese and your favorite taco toppings, this hearty dish is perfect for satisfying the whole family in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces rotini spiral pasta
- 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Black olives
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain away the excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Sauté garlic and add flavorings: Return the meat to the skillet and reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release its aroma. Stir in the taco seasoning, jarred salsa, drained corn, undrained black beans, and beef broth to combine all the flavors.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the rotini pasta and stir well to prevent sticking. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Add cheese and let it melt: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the Mexican blend shredded cheese evenly over the top. Replace the lid, turn off the heat, and let it rest for about five minutes so the cheese melts deliciously into the dish.
- Serve with toppings: Serve the taco pasta hot, garnished with your choice of optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, salsa, sliced avocado, or black olives for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat in the dish.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking to the pan.
- You can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile.
- Try adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or jalapeños for more texture and spice.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional beans.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
