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One-Pot Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 1white onion
chopped
- 1red bell pepper
chopped
- 1 lblean ground beef
12 ounces if using impossible meat
- 2 tbsphomemade taco seasoning or 1 packet taco seasoning
1-ounce
- 1 tspsmoked or sweet paprika
- 1 tspground cumin
- 1can diced tomatoes
- 1can chopped green chilis
- 8 ozelbow pasta
- 2 cbeef or vegetable broth
- 1 cshredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cfresh cilantro
chopped
- 2 tbspfresh lime juice
about 1 lime
- 1 tbsphot 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.
One-Pot Taco Pasta
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 6 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Looking for an incredibly easy, flavorful weeknight dinner that satisfies everyone? This One-Pot Taco Pasta delivers all the bold flavors of your favorite tacos in a comforting, cheesy pasta dish, with minimal cleanup.
The magic of this recipe lies in cooking everything—from the seasoned ground beef to the elbow pasta—right in one pot. This method infuses the pasta with rich, savory flavors from the onion, bell pepper, and taco seasoning, creating a deeply satisfying meal without the hassle of extra dishes.
Prepare for a hearty and savory dish that brings a vibrant twist to your dinner table. You'll find tender elbow pasta swimming in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, studded with savory ground beef and softened vegetables, all crowned with melty cheddar cheese. Each spoonful offers a delightful balance of zesty lime, a hint of spice from the green chilis and optional hot sauce, and fresh cilantro, making for a truly comforting experience. This entree is designed for a low-stress approach, with only 5 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, and provides a substantial 510 calories per serving.
Customization & Variations
Easily adapt this One-Pot Taco Pasta to your preferences. For a vegetarian option, you can swap the lean ground beef for Impossible meat. Feel free to use either homemade taco seasoning for a custom blend or a convenient packet. While beef broth adds depth, vegetable broth works beautifully too. Don't shy away from experimenting with optional toppings like green onions, sour cream, or extra lime wedges for an added burst of freshness.
Perfect for a casual family dinner or a relaxed gathering with friends, this taco pasta is a complete meal on its own. Serve it straight from the pot for ultimate ease, perhaps with a simple side salad to complement the richness.