One-Pot Taco Pasta (Printable)

Savory ground beef, pasta, taco spices, and cheese come together for a hearty, comforting main dish.

# Components:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

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

→ Spices & Seasonings

04 - 2 tbsp taco seasoning
05 - 1/2 tsp salt
06 - 1/4 tsp 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

# Method:

01 - In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
03 - Sprinkle taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine.
04 - Pour in broth and diced tomatoes with their juices, then stir in dry pasta evenly.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta absorbs most liquid and is tender.
06 - Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy throughout.
07 - Serve immediately, topped with green onions, sour cream, and cilantro as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pot, which means one bowl to clean instead of a sink full of dishes.
  • The pasta absorbs all the taco seasoning and broth, so you skip the bland-carbs-with-sauce problem entirely.
  • It tastes indulgent but costs less than takeout, even when feeding four people.
  • Kids actually ask for seconds without being prompted.
02 -
  • Stir occasionally while simmering or the pasta on the bottom will stick and scorch—you want tender pasta in a creamy sauce, not a burnt bottom layer.
  • Don't skip draining excess fat from the beef if there's a lot of it; too much grease makes the finished dish feel heavy instead of comforting.
03 -
  • Use a Dutch oven or deep skillet with a lid instead of a shallow pan—you need room for everything to simmer without boiling over.
  • Stir the pasta mixture every few minutes during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout.
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