Description
Spicy and cheesy One Pot Beef Taco Pasta delivers a Mexican-inspired comfort meal that combines ground beef, pasta, and bold southwestern flavors. Quick weeknight dinners get an exciting upgrade with this zesty, hearty dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Seasoning:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
Liquids:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can diced tomatoes
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasonings:
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring no pink remains. Eliminate excess fat through draining.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
- Integrate taco seasoning, creating a robust flavor profile by stirring thoroughly into the meat mixture.
- Pour beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the pot, combining ingredients evenly to create a rich sauce base.
- Incorporate uncooked pasta directly into the liquid, ensuring each piece is submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
- Once pasta reaches tender consistency, remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Gently mix in sour cream, creating a creamy and luxurious texture throughout the dish.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, tasting to achieve perfect balance.
- Optional: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning to suit your heat preference.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise flavor.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and make meal preparation smoother and faster.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 494 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg