Delicious One Pot Taco Pasta for Quick Weeknight Meals

When the aroma of sizzling spices, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta wafts through your kitchen, you know it’s time for one pot taco pasta. This dish is like a fiesta in a bowl—it’s colorful, lively, and bursting with flavor. Imagine all your favorite taco ingredients coming together in a creamy, cheesy embrace that hugs each piece of pasta with joy.

One pot taco pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Think about those busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying. This dish delivers on all fronts—easy to prepare, minimal cleanup, and an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, the anticipation builds as you stir everything together, and the delightful smell makes your stomach rumble in excitement.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends—they were wowed by how something so simple could taste so incredible! Their reactions were priceless as they dug into their bowls with gusto.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: I prefer using rotini or penne for their ability to hold onto the sauce beautifully.

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean meat to keep it healthy without sacrificing flavor.

• Taco Seasoning: Use store-bought or homemade for that authentic taco flair.

• Diced Tomatoes: Opt for canned tomatoes with green chilies for an extra kick.

• Beef Broth: A flavorful base enhances the overall taste—chicken broth works well too.

• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar gives this dish its creamy texture and melty goodness.

• Sour Cream: Stir in at the end for a rich finish that balances the spice.

• Green Onions and Cilantro: Fresh herbs add brightness and color to the final dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Start with Browning Meat: In a large pot over medium heat, brown your ground meat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon until no pink remains. Let those savory aromas fill your kitchen!

Add Aromatics and Spices: Toss in diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant and onions turn translucent. The combination here is pure magic!

Pasta Party Time: Pour in uncooked pasta along with diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and taco seasoning. Give everything a good stir to ensure all ingredients are combined evenly.

Simmer Delightfully: Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender—keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticky situations.

Add Creaminess: Once pasta is cooked through, remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Stir in sour cream last; this adds richness that makes every bite irresistible!

Garnish and Serve: Top your sumptuous one pot taco pasta with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving hot. Watch as everyone dives into their bowls with excitement!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful one pot taco pasta that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground meat with onions and garlic. Then, add the pasta, broth, and seasonings all at once for even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground turkey for beef or add beans for extra protein. Top with cheese, cilantro, or avocado for a flavor boost.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth to retain moisture.

Sometimes I whip up this one pot taco pasta when friends come over. Their delighted faces after tasting it are priceless—it’s always a hit!

FAQ

Can I make this one pot taco pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap out meat for lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.

How can I make my one pot taco pasta spicy?

Add diced jalapeños or chili powder during cooking to kick up the heat.

What can I serve with one pot taco pasta?

Serve it with tortilla chips, guacamole, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.

Print

One Pot Taco Pasta

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

One Pot Taco Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings your favorite taco ingredients together in a creamy, cheesy pasta delight. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup. With its rich flavors and colorful presentation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to enjoy a fiesta in a bowl!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground meat until fully cooked. Add diced onions and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
2. Stir in uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, and taco seasoning. Mix well.
3. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Stir in sour cream for added creaminess.
5. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: - For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. - To add spice, include diced jalapeños or chili powder during cooking. - Serve with tortilla chips or guacamole for extra crunch.