One Pot Taco Pasta is a fun and easy dish that combines pasta, ground meat, and zesty taco seasoning all in one pot. It’s quick to make and saves on clean-up!
This meal is perfect for busy nights. I love that I can just toss everything in, stir, and let it cook. Plus, who doesn’t love tacos in pasta form? It’s a kid-friendly winner! 🌮🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian option.
Onion: A small onion adds great flavor when sautéed. If you’re out, shallots work too, or use onion powder as a last resort, though fresh is best for taste.
Taco Seasoning: Instead of a pre-packaged mix, you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and optional paprika. It’s a great way to control the spice level!
Rotini Pasta: Short pasta is ideal, but you can swap it with penne or macaroni. If gluten-free is a must, look for gluten-free pasta options.
Cheese: I recommend a blend like Mexican or cheddar. If avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can lend a cheesy flavor, and vegan cheese is a good alternative.
How Do I Cook Pasta in One Pot Without It Getting Sticky?
Cooking pasta in one pot is convenient, but preventing stickiness is key. Start by maintaining the right amount of liquid and stirring regularly. Here’s how:
- Heat the olive oil first before adding the onions and garlic. This helps to prevent sticking at the start.
- When you add the pasta, ensure the broth covers it well. If it’s too dry, it can clump.
- Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. This is especially important as it cooks.
- Make sure to serve immediately after cooking. Leftovers may stick together in the fridge!
One Pot Taco Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup (160 g) rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup (160 g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup (150 g) frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup (100 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 to 1 ½ cups (100-150 g) shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sour cream, for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this One Pot Taco Pasta will take about 10 minutes, and it will take another 15 to 20 minutes to cook. In about 30 minutes total, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Base:
Start by heating olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. When the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Cooking the Meat:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir it around until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it out now.
3. Adding Flavor:
Mix in the taco seasoning packet, ensuring the beef is well-coated with the spices. This will bring that wonderful taco flavor to your dish!
4. Combining the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the uncooked rotini pasta, diced tomatoes (with their juices), broth, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together until the pasta and other ingredients are well combined.
5. Cooking the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick.
6. Finishing Touches:
When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and half of the shredded cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese melts and everything is combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serving:
Once everything is lovely and melted, remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and allow it to sit covered for a few minutes to melt. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions for a fresh touch. Serve with a dollop of sour cream in the center of each bowl.
Enjoy your hearty, flavorful, and easy One Pot Taco Pasta!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook it the same way you would the ground beef until fully browned.
What If I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own taco seasoning with common spices. Mix together 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Adjust to taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth if it seems dry.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your One Pot Taco Pasta by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just chop them up and add them when you stir in the pasta for even cooking.
