Description
Hearty One-Pot Taco Pasta brings Mexican-inspired comfort to your dinner table with bold spices and creamy cheese. Ground beef, zesty tomatoes, and pasta merge into a delicious skillet meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds in one quick, easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (12 ounces if using Impossible Meat)
Vegetables and Spices:
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning or 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilis
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt, as needed
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces elbow pasta
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions and bell peppers for approximately 2 minutes until they become translucent and slightly tender.
- Add ground beef to the vegetable mixture, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef loses its pink color and begins to brown, around 3-4 minutes. Carefully drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning, paprika, and cumin over the meat. Pour in canned tomatoes and green chilis, including their liquid. Thoroughly combine all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of spices.
- Add uncooked pasta to the pot, stirring to coat each piece with the seasoned meat and vegetable mixture. This helps infuse the pasta with robust flavors.
- Pour beef broth into the pot, gently stirring to integrate all components. Raise the heat to medium-high, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the pasta to simmer for 12-15 minutes. Occasionally stir to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, remove the pot from heat. Immediately fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and creating a creamy texture.
- Incorporate freshly chopped cilantro, lime juice, and optional hot sauce. Taste and adjust salt levels as needed for optimal flavor balance.
- Let the dish rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished with sliced scallions, a dollop of sour cream, and lime wedges for an extra zesty touch.
Notes
- Customize your pasta by swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter twist.
- Leftover pasta keeps well in an airtight container for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or meal prep.
- Spice lovers can amp up heat by adding extra hot sauce or using a zestier taco seasoning blend.
- Dairy-free option works great by substituting cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Fresh ingredients like crisp cilantro and bright lime juice elevate this one-pot meal from good to absolutely delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 70mg