Description
Hearty One Pot Beef Taco Pasta brings Mexican-inspired flavors together in a quick, satisfying meal that combines ground beef, pasta, and zesty seasonings. Comfort meets convenience with this easy skillet dish that delivers bold southwestern taste in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Vegetable Components:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
Liquid and Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) sour cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly fragments until perfectly browned and no pink remains.
- Reduce heat and introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and aromatic.
- Sprinkle zesty taco seasoning over the meat mixture, creating a robust flavor foundation.
- Pour beef broth, chunky salsa, and diced tomatoes into the pot, stirring vigorously to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Introduce uncooked pasta directly into the liquid-rich environment, ensuring each pasta piece gets coated with the savory sauce.
- Elevate heat to trigger boiling, then immediately lower to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let the ingredients meld together, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking.
- After 12-15 minutes, verify pasta tenderness and sauce consistency. If needed, adjust liquid or cooking time.
- Remove from heat and fold in sharp cheddar cheese until luxuriously melted and creating a creamy texture.
- Optional: Swirl in a dollop of tangy sour cream for additional richness.
- Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Garnish with vibrant chopped cilantro before serving piping hot.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this comfort dish.
- Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions and add more nutritional value.
- Use low-sodium taco seasoning and broth to control salt intake while maintaining robust flavor profiles.
- Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to boost nutritional content and create a more balanced one-pot meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg