Imagine a dish that’s like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, wrapping you in warmth and comfort—this Easy Cheesy One Pot Taco Pasta is just that. It’s a whirlwind of flavors, where the zesty notes of tacos meet the creamy embrace of cheese, all in one pot (yes, fewer dishes!). I stumbled upon this gem while trying to appease my taco cravings without the mess, and wow, it’s like a fiesta in a bowl—an unexpected delight that’s now a weeknight favorite.
Steps
- Chop a yellow onion and mince two garlic cloves. Sauté them with olive oil in a deep skillet or wide-bottomed pot over medium heat until the onions become soft.
- Add ground beef and taco seasoning to the pot. Cook, stirring regularly, until the beef is completely browned.
- Pour in a can of diced tomatoes and a can of diced green chiles, including their juices, and stir to mix with the beef.
- Add uncooked pasta shells and beef broth to the mixture. Stir to combine, even if the pasta isn’t fully covered by the broth.
- Cover the pot and increase the heat to medium-high until the broth boils. Stir the pasta, replace the lid, lower the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Ensure some thick, saucy liquid remains in the pot once the pasta is cooked.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the sauce.
- Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (with juices)
- 1/2 pound small pasta shells
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1440 kcal | Carbohydrates: 136 g | Protein: 68 g | Fat: 68 g | Sodium: 3660 mg | Fiber: 12 g
FAQ
- What types of pasta work best for Beef Taco Pasta?
- Small pasta shells are recommended, but egg noodles, rotini, or penne can also be used. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta type.
- Can I modify the protein used in the recipe?
- Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian ground beef alternative. Alternatively, you can skip the meat and use a can of black beans instead.
- Are there any additional ingredients that can enhance the flavor of Beef Taco Pasta?
- Yes, you can add ingredients like fresh or pickled jalapeños, sour cream, avocado, black olives, black beans, or pickled red onions to complement the dish’s flavors.
- How do I cook Beef Taco Pasta in a single pot?
- Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil, add and cook ground beef with taco seasoning, then mix in diced tomatoes and green chiles. Stir in pasta and beef broth, bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is tender. Add cheese, stir until melted, and serve.
- What is the nutritional information for a serving of Beef Taco Pasta?
- One serving is approximately 1.3 cups, containing 360 calories, 34g carbohydrates, 17g protein, 17g fat, 915mg sodium, and 3g fiber.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Consider using short pasta shapes like small shells, rotini, or penne. Be prepared to adjust the simmering time based on the pasta type to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
- Customize with Add-ins: Enhance the dish by adding ingredients from your fridge or pantry. Options like jalapeños, sour cream, avocado, black olives, black beans, or pickled red onions can complement the taco flavors.
- Experiment with Different Proteins: Feel free to swap the ground beef for other ground meats such as turkey or chicken, or use a vegetarian alternative. You can also substitute with a can of black beans for a meatless option.
- Ensure Even Cooking: When adding the pasta and broth, ensure the pasta is well stirred and occasionally check to prevent it from sticking to the pot. This will help the pasta cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
Equipment
- Deep skillet or wide-bottomed pot with a lid
- Garlic press (for mincing garlic)
