Name: Taco Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 yellow onion (diced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); ½ lb. ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz.); 15 oz. can diced tomatoes (with juices); 4 oz. can diced green chiles (with juices); ½ lb. small pasta shells (uncooked); 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded); 2 green onions (sliced)

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One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is the perfect dish for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you’re craving something hearty yet simple. This delightfully comforting meal combines the savory flavors of taco seasoning and layered textures of pasta, all cooked in one pot to make cleanup a breeze. With its zesty tomatoes, creamy cheese, and comforting pasta enveloped in a rich broth, this Taco Pasta is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a wonderfully efficient dish that packs a punch of flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen.

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When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had to try it. It was a rushed weeknight, and I had only 30 minutes to whip up something satisfying. As I cooked, the kitchen filled with fragrant aromas that reminded me of a taco night but with a delightful twist. This recipe is not only quick and budget-friendly, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser—perfect for feeding hungry bellies. I remember serving it to my family, and their delighted reactions made me realize how easily it can turn a regular dinner into a festive occasion. I can’t wait for you to experience the warm, cheesy goodness!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Taco Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Taco Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 5 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ground beef, taco seasoning, and juicy tomatoes creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Topped with fresh green onions and melted cheese, this dish looks as delicious as it tastes—perfect for impressing guests!
Flexible Serving: Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, it’s a dish made for any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily swap out proteins or even make it vegetarian by substituting the beef with plant-based options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 tbsp olive oil: This helps sauté the onions and garlic, adding flavor and richness.
1 yellow onion (diced): The base flavor that adds sweetness once sautéed.
2 garlic cloves (minced): For that aromatic, savory kick in your taco pasta.
½ lb. ground beef: A classic choice for protein; can be replaced with ground turkey or veggie meat for alternatives.
1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz.): The star of the show! Use your favorite brand for seasoning.
15 oz. can diced tomatoes (with juices): They contribute moisture and depth to the dish. Opt for fire-roasted variety for added flavor.
4 oz. can diced green chiles (with juices): These add a nice subtle heat and tang. For a milder version, you can omit this ingredient.
½ lb. small pasta shells (uncooked): Perfect for holding onto the delicious sauce, though other small pasta shapes work too.
2 cups beef broth: The cooking liquid that brings everything together; feel free to use low-sodium for a healthier option.
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds creaminess and richness—substitute with pepper jack for extra heat!
2 green onions (sliced): Fresh and crisp, they add a colorful garnish and a touch of freshness.

How to Make Taco Pasta

Sauté Aromatics: Begin by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. In a deep skillet or large pot, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then incorporate the onion and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onions soften, about 3-4 minutes, allowing the kitchen to fill with mouthwatering scents.
Cook the Beef: Add ½ lb. ground beef to the pot along with the taco seasoning. Cook and stir for several minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Directly in the pot, the spices meld with the meat for a tantalizing flavor.
Stir in Tomatoes and Chiles: Next, pour in the 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes (with juices) and the 4 oz. can of diced green chiles (with juices). Give everything a good stir to combine, letting the mixture bubble gently together.
Add Pasta and Broth: Now it’s time to introduce the pasta! Stir in ½ lb. small pasta shells along with 2 cups beef broth. Mix everything well—it’s okay if the pasta is not completely submerged.
Bring to a Boil: Cover the pot with a lid and raise the heat to medium-high. Allow the broth to come to a full boil. Once bubbling, stir the pasta, place the lid back on, and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Simmer to Perfection: Let the pasta simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes while keeping the lid on. This helps the pasta absorb the flavors while becoming tender. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s cooked through and there’s a thick saucy consistency left in the pot.
Finish with Cheese: Finally, remove the pot from heat and add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts beautifully into the sauce. Top with 2 sliced green onions for that final fresh touch.

Storing & Reheating

Leftover Taco Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for a maximum of 3 months. When reheating, simply microwave it until heated through, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You might want to splash a bit of broth or water to retain moisture as the texture can tighten up during storage. Enjoy the savory taste of Taco Pasta even days later!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the pasta while it simmers; overcooked pasta can become mushy.
Customize the Spice: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more for an extra kick!
Creamy Touch: For a creamier version, stir in some cream cheese or sour cream after the cheese melts.
Meal Prep: This dish makes a great meal prep option. Just portion it out into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

There you go! You’ve got a warm, comforting meal ready to be enjoyed by family or friends, or even just for you to curl up with on the couch. This easy Taco Pasta is not just another dinner but a canvas for your culinary creativity.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or even black beans for a delicious vegetarian version that still delivers on flavor.

What kind of pasta can I use?

While small pasta shells are great for this dish, you can also use elbow macaroni, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.

How can I spice this dish up?

For those who enjoy heat, consider adding diced jalapeños along with the tomatoes or sprinkling red pepper flakes when serving. You can also use spicy taco seasoning for an extra kick!

Can I add vegetables to Taco Pasta?

Of course! Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini would work wonderfully. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic for a delicious and nutritious addition.

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