One Pot Taco Pasta is a fun and easy dish that combines pasta with all the zesty flavors of tacos! You’ll find ground beef, cheese, and tasty spices all cooked together in one pot.
This meal is perfect for busy weeknights—just cook everything in one go and enjoy it! I love topping mine with some extra cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro. Yummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds richness to the dish. If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, use lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Pasta: Rotini is great because its shape holds onto the sauce well. You can replace it with any pasta you like, such as penne or macaroni. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: They bring moisture and flavor. If you’re out, you can use fresh tomatoes or even tomato sauce, but keep in mind the added liquid may need to be adjusted.
Corn: Sweet corn adds a nice texture and sweetness. You can swap it with black beans for added protein, or leave it out if you want a simpler dish.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika are key for taco flavor. If you don’t have one, try taco seasoning instead. Also, feel free to adjust the spices based on your heat preference!
How Do I Ensure the Pasta Comes Out Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta in a one-pot recipe can be tricky, but it’s easy with a few tips. Make sure to give the pot a good stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Here’s how to do it right:
- After adding the pasta, make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. If needed, add more broth or water.
- Keep the pot covered while it simmers to lock in steam and heat, which helps the pasta cook evenly.
- Check for doneness around the 12-minute mark. If it looks too dry, just mix in a bit more liquid.
Following these steps will help your pasta be perfectly done—tender, not mushy!
One Pot Taco Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional for extra heat)
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 8 ounces rotini or spiral pasta
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Sour cream, for topping
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
- Black olives, sliced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a total of 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned. Make sure to break it up with a spoon while it cooks. If there’s too much fat, feel free to drain some away!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Toast the Spices:
Next, sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir everything together and cook for another minute—this helps the spices release their wonderful flavors!
4. Stir in the Main Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add your diced tomatoes (including their juice), corn, diced green chilies (if you love spice), beef broth, and the rotini pasta. Give it all a good stir to combine everything well.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
6. Add the Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy. If the mixture looks a bit dry, add a splash of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Dish out the One Pot Taco Pasta into bowls while it’s hot! Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. You can also add extra cheese and sliced black olives if you’d like.
Enjoy your delicious, hearty One Pot Taco Pasta—quick, flavorful, and perfect for sharing!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works great in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll still end up with a delicious dish!
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, lentils, or even black beans for protein. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if it looks dry.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! To increase the heat, add extra diced green chilies or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to taste. Adjust the spices according to your heat preference!
