This One Pot Taco Pasta is a tasty mix of pasta, seasoned beef, and zesty tomatoes, all cooked together in one pot. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy nights!
You know it’s a win when dinner is ready in just 30 minutes! Plus, I love how the flavors blend together—it’s like a taco party in a bowl! 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey is a great substitute. You can even use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version!
Rotini Pasta: Rotini holds the sauce really well! However, you can swap it for any pasta you have, such as penne or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as different pasta shapes may vary.
Taco Seasoning: The seasoning mix gives that classic taco flavor. If you don’t have a packet on hand, you can easily make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: For a little extra heat, consider using diced tomatoes with jalapeños or another variety. If fresh tomatoes are available, those work too! Just peel, chop, and add them in.
How Do I Get the Pasta Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the pasta just right is important in this one-pot dish. Here’s how to ensure it doesn’t turn mushy:
- Keep the heat high until the mixture starts to boil. This helps the pasta cook evenly.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover. This steams the pasta as it cooks.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring all pasta gets flavorful sauce.
- Check the pasta a minute or two before the cooking time ends; it should be al dente, meaning it has a bit of bite.
One Pot Taco Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful One Pot Taco Pasta takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a fantastic meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Meat:
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, place the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat. Cook it until it’s browned, using a spatula to break it into smaller pieces. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish light and healthy!
2. Add Onions and Garlic:
Once the meat is cooked, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together until the onions are soft and transparent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This is where the flavor starts to build!
3. Mix in Taco Seasoning:
Stir in the taco seasoning, making sure it coats the meat and onions evenly. This will give your dish that signature taco flavor!
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients:
Add the uncooked rotini pasta, can of diced tomatoes (with all the liquid), corn, black beans, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is well covered with liquid.
5. Boil and Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover it with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick and until it’s tender and much of the liquid is absorbed.
6. Melt the Cheese:
Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese over the top. Cover again for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully on top of the pasta.
7. Season to Taste:
Give your dish a taste and add salt and pepper as you prefer. Don’t skip this step—it makes all the difference!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the pasta into bowls and top each serving with fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your warm, cheesy One Pot Taco Pasta!
It’s a quick meal that your family will love. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter option and blends perfectly into the flavors of the dish. Just make sure to cook it until it’s fully browned, just like you would with beef.
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Pasta?
If you don’t have rotini on hand, any pasta shape will work. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti can be great alternatives! Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta type.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground meat with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Also, ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly if you want to keep it completely meat-free!
