One-Pot Taco Pasta: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
Introduction
When you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that doesn’t require a lot of cleanup, this One-Pot Taco Pasta is the perfect solution. This dish combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with the comfort of pasta, all cooked together in one pot. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this easy and satisfying recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef (12 ounces if using Impossible 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
- 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilis
- 8 ounces 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:
- Green onions, chopped
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Directions
1. Sauté the Vegetables and Ground Beef
Set a large pot (5 or 6 quarts) on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until just softened, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it up in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until most of the pink is gone, 3 to 5 minutes. If desired, spoon off some of the grease. For plant-based meat, this will only take 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Add the Seasoning, Tomatoes, Pasta, and Broth
Add the taco seasoning, paprika, cumin, canned tomatoes, and green chilis, both undrained. Mix until combined. Add the dry pasta and stir to coat. Pour in the beef broth and mix everything once more. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil (this takes 3 to 5 minutes).
3. Simmer the Pasta
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer until the pasta is cooked, 13 to 15 minutes. Stir a few times while simmering to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
4. Mix in the Cheese, Cilantro, and Lime
Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts. Mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Taste and add salt as needed. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken before serving topped with scallions, sour cream, and lime, if desired.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approx. 400 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Conclusion
This One-Pot Taco Pasta is a fantastic, easy-to-make dish that packs a flavorful punch. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t have the energy to deal with a lot of cleanup. The combination of savory beef, zesty seasonings, and creamy cheese is sure to make this a repeat favorite in your household. Enjoy!
Feel free to share your own variations or toppings in the comments below! Happy cooking!
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One-Pot Taco Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 white onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 pound lean ground beef (12 ounces if using Impossible 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
1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilis
8 ounces 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:
Green onions, chopped
Sour cream
Lime wedges
Instructions
Sauté the vegetables and ground beef:
Set a large pot (5 or 6 quarts) on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until just softened, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it up in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until most of the pink is gone, 3 to 5 minutes. If desired, spoon off some of the grease. For plant-based meat, this will only take 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the seasoning, tomatoes, pasta, and broth:
Add the taco seasoning, paprika, cumin, canned tomatoes, and green chilis, both undrained. Mix until combined. Add the dry pasta and stir to coat. Pour in the beef broth and mix everything once more. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil (this takes 3 to 5 minutes).
Simmer the pasta:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer until the pasta is cooked, 13 to 15 minutes. Stir a few times while simmering to ensure the pasta cooks evenly.
Mix in the cheese, cilantro, and lime:
Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts. Mix in chopped cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Taste and add salt as needed. Let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken before serving topped with scallions, sour cream, and lime, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal