Description
If you love tacos and pasta, this One-Pot Taco Pasta is your dream dinner! It’s packed with bold taco flavors, creamy melted cheese, and tender pasta—all made in a single pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal, this dish will be your go-to favorite. Top it with sour cream, green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime for an extra burst of flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or 12 ounces of plant-based meat)
- 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, undrained
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles, undrained
- 8 ounces dry elbow pasta
- 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- Salt, as needed
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables and Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot (5–6 quarts) over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 3–5 minutes until browned, then drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids:
- Stir in taco seasoning, paprika, cumin, diced tomatoes, and green chiles. Mix well.
- Add the dry elbow pasta and stir to coat. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and stir everything together.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 13–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Incorporate Cheese and Final Touches:
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce.
- Mix in the chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Adjust salt to taste.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Let the dish sit for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm, topped with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, green onions, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Protein Options: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat can be used instead of ground beef.
- Spice Level: Adjust the taco seasoning or add more hot sauce to customize the spice.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based meat or swap it for black beans or lentils.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican-American