This One Pot Taco Pasta is a comforting meal made with all the good stuff: pasta, ground beef, and zesty taco seasoning. Plus, it’s made in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!
Who doesn’t love a meal that brings the taste of tacos to the table in a simple way? I often sprinkle cheese on top and watch it melt into gooey goodness—so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the heart of your dish, bringing protein and flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a meat-free version, black beans or lentils work great!
Rotini Pasta: I love using rotini because its spirals hold onto the sauce nicely. However, any small pasta like penne or fusilli can be substituted. Just keep an eye on the cooking time.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add juice and tang. You can replace them with fresh tomatoes or use fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra flavor kick!
Corn: Sweet corn adds texture and sweetness. If you don’t have corn, try using black beans or peas instead for a different taste.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought works fine, but making your own can be fun! Mix cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and paprika to taste. This way, you control the spice level!
How Do I Get the Pasta Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta in the same pot as everything else not only makes it easier but allows it to absorb all those tasty flavors. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by sautéing the onions and garlic until soft—they add a flavor base.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, draining excess fat to keep it light.
- Combine all remaining ingredients, including the uncooked pasta, ensuring everything is mixed well.
- Use enough broth so the pasta can cook! The boiling and simmering should be long enough for the pasta to absorb liquid and get tender.
- Check for doneness around the 12-minute mark; don’t forget to stir occasionally!
Cooking the pasta in this way keeps it tender while soaking up all the taco flavors—absolutely delicious!
One Pot Taco Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Optional: sliced green onions and lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare plus 15 minutes to cook. In just 25 minutes total, you can have a delicious meal ready for the family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and softened. This step adds a wonderful base flavor to your dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Continue until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of grease, carefully drain any excess fat.
3. Add in the Good Stuff:
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, corn, and the uncooked rotini pasta. Mix everything together so the pasta is coated with the delicious seasonings and flavors.
4. Simmer the Pasta:
Now, pour in the beef or chicken broth and give it another stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Final Touches:
After the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and well combined. Now’s the time to taste your pasta and season with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve It Up:
Dish out your One Pot Taco Pasta hot from the pot! Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and optional green onions. If you like, squeeze a little lime juice over the top for an extra zing!
Enjoy your hearty and flavorful One Pot Taco Pasta! It’s a comforting meal that everyone will love, and the best part is, the cleanup is easy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just follow the same steps, and the result will still be delicious and slightly lighter in calories.
What If I Don’t Have Beef Broth?
No worries! You can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning since vegetable broth might be less salty than beef broth.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to rehydrate the pasta.
Can I Make This Meal Vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. You’ll still get a hearty and satisfying meal!