One Pot Taco Pasta

$- 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 packet taco seasoning or a homemade blend - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup corn, frozen or canned - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup shredded cheese, like cheddar or a blend In this recipe, I use ground beef or turkey as the main protein. You can choose either based on your taste or health goals. Pasta options include elbow macaroni or rotini, both of which hold sauce well. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a zesty kick to the dish. For spices and seasoning, taco seasoning is key. You can buy a packet or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Diced onion and minced garlic bring depth and aroma to the dish. I love adding corn and black beans for extra texture and nutrition. The shredded cheese melts beautifully, making this meal creamy and comforting. If you want more details on the full recipe, check out the Full Recipe link! First, we need to brown the meat. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Cook until it turns brown. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there is excess fat, drain it off. Next, we will sauté the garlic and onions. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion looks clear. This step adds great flavor to the dish. Now, let's add tomatoes and broth. Pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, juices included. Add 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together well. It’s time to incorporate the pasta and other add-ins. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni or rotini, along with 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of black beans. Bring the mix to a gentle boil. For cooking time and stirring tips, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Check the pasta; it should be al dente when done. Finally, let’s melt the cheese. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. Taste the dish and add salt or pepper if needed. For the full recipe, check out the details! To get the best pasta doneness, follow these steps: - Boil water before adding pasta. - Stir the pasta often while cooking. - Check for doneness a minute early. This way, your pasta stays firm and tasty. To avoid stickiness, do this: - Use enough water for boiling. - Stir the pasta during cooking. - Drain well and toss with a little oil if needed. These tips keep your pasta from clumping together. To adjust seasoning, taste your dish before serving. - Add salt and pepper to boost flavor. - Mix in more taco seasoning if you want a stronger taste. Additional spices can take your meal up a notch: - Cumin adds warmth. - Paprika gives a smoky note. - A pinch of cayenne can spark up the heat! Feel free to experiment with spices to match your taste. For serving, I love using deep bowls. - Garnish with fresh cilantro for color. - Add a dollop of sour cream on top. Sprinkling extra cheese makes it even better! Pair your One Pot Taco Pasta with side dishes like: - Simple green salad for freshness. - Garlic bread for a hearty touch. These sides add balance to your meal and make it more enjoyable. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in One Pot Taco Pasta. Ground turkey is a great option. It offers a lighter taste. If you want to be plant-based, try lentils or black beans. Both add protein and flavor. You can also add cooked chicken. Just shred it and mix it in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you need gluten-free pasta, many options exist. Look for gluten-free elbow macaroni or rotini. They cook up well in this dish. You can also use spiralized vegetables like zucchini. They add a fresh twist while keeping it light. Just be careful with cooking time, as vegetables cook faster than regular pasta. Want a kick? Add jalapeños for a spicy version. You can mix them with the onions for extra flavor. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, skip the meat and cheese. Use a plant-based cheese and vegetable broth. This keeps the dish fun and tasty, while still being friendly for all diets. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To keep your One Pot Taco Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This way, it stays tasty and safe. It will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing it up. Freezing is a great way to save portions for later. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, divide it into meal-sized portions and place them in freezer bags. Try to squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. For reheating, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it often to keep the texture nice. Making One Pot Taco Pasta ahead of time is smart. Use clear storage containers to keep track of servings. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights. You can pack it for lunch or serve it for dinner. Pair it with a salad or some tortilla chips for a complete meal. This recipe is quick and easy. The total prep and cook time is about 30 minutes. You spend 15 minutes getting ready and 15 minutes cooking. It’s a great choice for busy nights. Yes, you can easily adapt this dish. For cheese, try using a dairy-free cheese. For sour cream, use cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt. These options still add creaminess and flavor. You can pair this meal with many sides. Consider a fresh salad or tortilla chips with salsa. You might also enjoy it with guacamole or a side of steamed veggies. These additions make your meal even better. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide! This One Pot Taco Pasta recipe brings together ground beef or turkey, tasty spices, and pasta to create a quick, delicious meal. You can customize it with corn and black beans, plus melt in cheese for extra flavor. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. If you want to mix things up, try different proteins or pasta options. Cooking should be fun and easy, so enjoy your tasty creation and share it with friends!$

Discover the ultimate One Pot Taco Pasta recipe that combines savory flavors and easy preparation! This hearty dish features ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, and pasta, all cooked in one pot for a quick and delicious meal. Perfect for busy nights, it’s loaded with cheese, corn, and black beans for a satisfying experience. Click to explore this flavorful recipe and enjoy a tasty dinner tonight!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend: chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder)

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

2 cups chicken (or vegetable) broth

8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta

1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and chicken broth, stirring to combine.

Add the pasta, corn, and black beans. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the taco pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra creamy touch. Optionally, sprinkle some extra cheese before serving.