Description
This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a quick and easy fusion dish combining the flavors of classic taco seasoning with comforting pasta. In just 30 minutes, ground beef, taco spices, pasta, and cheese come together in a single pot to create a creamy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Topped with optional fresh garnishes, this dish offers bold Tex-Mex flair with convenience and minimal cleanup.
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 fully browned and the onion is softened. This develops the base flavors for the dish.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Drain any excess fat from the pot. Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning packet, cooking for about 1 minute until the mixture is fragrant and the spices bloom.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, salsa, and water. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the simmering mixture, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
- Finish with Cheese and Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until they melt completely and create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
- Serve: Garnish with optional toppings such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro as desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting one-pot meal.
Notes
- Be sure to stir occasionally when cooking the pasta to avoid it sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Using salsa with your preferred spice level allows you to customize the heat of the dish.
- If you want to make this recipe lighter, consider using reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
- This meal reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta shells instead of regular pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
