This One Pot Taco Pasta is a quick and tasty meal you can whip up in no time! With ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and cheesy goodness, it’s a winner for any dinner.
It’s so easy to make—just cook everything in one pot! Cleanup is a breeze, and you’ll have more time to enjoy your delicious meal. Trust me, seconds are unavoidable with this dish! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. If you don’t have onion, shallots or scallions work as substitutes. You can even use onion powder if you’re in a pinch!
Bell Pepper: Any color of bell pepper works well, but I prefer red for its sweetness. For a spicy kick, opt for a jalapeño instead. You can also leave it out if you want a simpler dish.
Corn: I usually use frozen corn for convenience, but fresh corn is fantastic when in season. Canned corn is fine too, just drain it before adding.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought taco seasoning is easy, but you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder if you prefer. This way, you can adjust the spice level to your taste.
How Do I Ensure the Pasta is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the pasta correctly is key in this recipe. It’s easy, but you need to keep an eye on it while it simmers. Here’s how:
- When you add the pasta, make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. It helps it cook evenly.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This also helps the pasta absorb the flavors.
- Keep the heat at medium-low. A gentle simmer will prevent it from boiling over.
- Start checking for doneness at around 10 minutes. It should be al dente, still slightly firm but tender enough to enjoy.
Following these tips will ensure your pasta and dish turn out just right! Enjoy your cooking! 😊
One Pot Taco Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or green)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen or canned)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) rotini pasta
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Sour cream, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty One Pot Taco Pasta takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s too much fat, drain it, but keep some for flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic with the beef. Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are nice and soft. This will make your dish flavorful!
3. Mix in the Main Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to stir in the corn kernels, the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain it), beef broth, and the taco seasoning mix. Stir everything really well to combine all of the flavors.
4. Add the Pasta:
Add the rotini pasta into the mixture and stir it in to ensure the pasta is covered. It’s a big pot of deliciousness waiting to happen!
5. Simmer to Cook:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the pasta to be tender and most of the liquid to be absorbed.
6. Add the Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the dish. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and creamy, creating a delicious sauce that coats the pasta.
7. Season and Serve:
Give it a taste! Add salt and pepper as needed to make it perfect for your palate. Now, it’s time to serve!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Serve your One Pot Taco Pasta hot! Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream on top. Don’t forget to include lime wedges on the side for that extra zing. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!
Dig in and savor every bite! 🍽️
Can I Use a Different Protein in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as lighter alternatives. For a vegetarian option, you can try using plant-based ground meat or even beans like black beans or pinto beans for added protein and fiber.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with a mix of beans (like black beans or kidney beans) and add extra vegetables or even quinoa for more texture. Just be sure to adjust seasoning to keep it flavorful!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to rehydrate if it looks dry.
Can I Add More Spice to This Dish?
If you like it spicy, feel free to add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce when cooking. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick!