Description
This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a flavorful and quick dinner option that combines seasoned ground beef, taco spices, pasta, and cheese all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a comforting, cheesy taco-inspired meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Drain any excess fat from the pot, then add the minced garlic and taco seasoning packet. Cook for one minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the beef broth, salsa, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Pasta and Simmer: Add the uncooked pasta ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Finish with Cheese and Sour Cream: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until the mixture is melted and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with optional toppings such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty taco pasta.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, although shells or elbow macaroni work best for this recipe.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you like it spicier, add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños when cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream or substitute with Greek yogurt.
