One Pot Taco Pasta Delight

Description

The One Pot Taco Pasta Delight is a perfect fusion of the bold flavors of tacos with the heartiness of pasta, all concocted in a single pot for convenience. This recipe not only simplifies the cooking process but also minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or 12 ounces Impossible Meat for a plant-based version)
• 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, sour cream, lime wedges

Step-by-step Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Ground Beef

Heat a large pot (5 or 6 quarts) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until just softened, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and break it up in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until most of the pink is gone, 3 to 5 minutes. Spoon off grease if needed. For plant-based meat, cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Seasoning, Tomatoes, Pasta, and Broth

Add taco seasoning, paprika, cumin, undrained canned tomatoes, and green chilis. Mix until combined. Add the dry pasta and stir to coat it well. Pour in the beef broth and mix. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the pasta is cooked through, 13 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Mix in Cheese, Cilantro, and Lime

Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Mix in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Let the pasta sit for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken before serving.

Servings & Preparation Time

Serves: 4 to 6 people

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 to 30 minutes

Tips for Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
• Freeze in a sealed container for up to a month for best quality.

Conclusion

The One Pot Taco Pasta Delight is not only a testament to culinary creativity but also a testament to convenience and flavor. It perfectly blends the spiciness of taco seasonings with the comforting texture of pasta, complemented by the melty goodness of cheddar cheese and the fresh zest of lime and cilantro. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, pleasing anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal.

One Pot Taco Pasta Delight

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 2 minute
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

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Description

The One Pot Taco Pasta Delight is a perfect fusion of the bold flavors of tacos with the heartiness of pasta, all concocted in a single pot for convenience. This recipe not only simplifies the cooking process but also minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef (or 12 ounces Impossible Meat for a plant-based version)
• 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, sour cream, lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables and Ground Beef Heat a large pot (5 or 6 quarts) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until just softened, about 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and break it up in the pan. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until most of the pink is gone, 3 to 5 minutes. Spoon off grease if needed. For plant-based meat, cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the Seasoning, Tomatoes, Pasta, and Broth Add taco seasoning, paprika, cumin, undrained canned tomatoes, and green chilis. Mix until combined. Add the dry pasta and stir to coat it well. Pour in the beef broth and mix. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil, which takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Simmer the Pasta Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the pasta is cooked through, 13 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Step 4: Mix in Cheese, Cilantro, and Lime Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Mix in the chopped cilantro, lime juice, and hot sauce (if using). Taste and adjust the salt as needed. Let the pasta sit for 3 to 5 minutes to thicken before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes