Description
This One Pot Beef Taco Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a zesty salsa sauce. Cooked entirely in one pot, it delivers a creamy and cheesy twist on classic taco flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup water
- 8 oz uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onion has softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Drain excess fat from the pot. Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the seasoning is well combined with the beef mixture.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, salsa, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer to combine the flavors and slightly reduce.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Incorporate Cheese and Sour Cream: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until fully melted and creamy, creating a rich sauce that coats the pasta and beef evenly.
- Serve: Serve the taco pasta warm, garnishing with optional toppings such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use a hot salsa or add diced jalapeños when cooking the beef.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- To make this recipe gluten free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the taco seasoning is gluten free.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a microwave or stovetop and may thicken; add a splash of water or broth to loosen.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
