Description
Hearty One Pot Beef Taco Pasta delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with zesty spices and cheesy goodness. Busy home cooks will savor this quick, satisfying meal that brings family together around a single skillet of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
- 2 cups (224 grams) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat, eliminating any surplus grease for a cleaner dish.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Generously sprinkle taco seasoning, then introduce beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, blending thoroughly to create a robust flavor profile.
- Gently fold in uncooked pasta, ensuring each piece is coated with the savory sauce, then elevate heat to bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- Reduce heat, cover the pot, and allow the pasta to simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Once pasta reaches al dente perfection, remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese, creating a creamy, melted texture.
- If desired, swirl in a dollop of sour cream for additional richness and tang.
- Finish by scattering fresh, chopped cilantro across the top for a bright, herbaceous garnish.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the cheese remains gloriously melted.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier dish.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting taco seasoning or using a mild version for kids.
- For a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice pasta.
- Transform this into a vegetarian meal by replacing beef with plant-based ground meat or black beans for protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg