Description
One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish combining seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a blend of melted cheeses all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it delivers cheesy, savory goodness with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups uncooked pasta shells or elbows
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if needed for cooking lean beef)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onion: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat if using lean ground beef. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion softens, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant and well combined.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with juices, and tomato sauce. Add the uncooked pasta. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy throughout the pasta.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, add a can of black beans or corn when adding the liquids.
- Works well with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat well.
