Easy One Pot Taco Pasta: A Flavorful Weeknight Delight

One pot taco pasta is the dish that makes weeknight dinners feel like a fiesta. Imagine twirling your fork through perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a zesty sauce bursting with savory ground beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a delightful sprinkle of cheese melting into every bite. The smell wafting from your kitchen? Pure bliss!

This one pot taco pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings back memories of taco nights with friends, laughing and enjoying good food. Ideal for busy evenings or those cozy weekends when you want something hearty yet uncomplicated, each mouthful promises a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: You can use any type you like, but I prefer penne or rotini for their sauce-hugging abilities.

• Ground Beef: The star of the show! Choose lean beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

• Bell Peppers: Red, green, or yellow—these add color and sweetness to the dish.

• Onion: A must-have for depth of flavor and aromatic goodness; yellow onions work best here.

• Taco Seasoning: Store-bought or homemade, this mix is essential for delivering that authentic taco taste.

• Cheese: Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese is perfect for topping off your pasta with melty goodness.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while adding rich flavor to the pasta.

• Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add moisture and tang; go for fire-roasted if you want extra depth!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Gather Your Ingredients: Before starting, gather all your ingredients on the counter. This keeps things organized and helps streamline the cooking process.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté diced onions until they turn translucent and fragrant. Toss in chopped bell peppers and cook until tender.

Brown the Beef: Push the veggies to one side of the pot and add ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula while seasoning with salt and pepper.

Add Flavorful Goodness: Sprinkle in taco seasoning over the beef and stir well until everything is evenly coated with spices that will have your taste buds dancing.

Combine Pasta & Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes along with uncooked pasta. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to simmer gently until pasta is cooked through.

Melt That Cheese!: Once the pasta absorbs most of the liquid and becomes tender, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired!

This one pot taco pasta makes cleanup easier too since everything cooks together in one pan! Enjoy serving hot on busy weeknights or at gatherings where everyone can dig in together.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef or turkey, then stir in the spices before adding pasta and broth. This sequence builds flavors effectively while keeping everything in one pot.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground meat for beans for a vegetarian option. Toss in some bell peppers or corn for added texture and sweetness, too.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain creaminess.

Preparing one pot taco pasta brings back memories of my college days when my friends would gather for movie marathons and I’d whip this up effortlessly.

FAQ

Can I make one pot taco pasta without meat?

Absolutely! Substitute meat with black beans or lentils for a hearty vegetarian meal.

What type of pasta works best?

Rotini or penne hold sauces well and create a satisfying texture in this dish.

How spicy is one pot taco pasta?

The spice level is adjustable; you can reduce chili powder for a milder flavor if needed.

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One Pot Taco Pasta

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One Pot Taco Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that transforms weeknight dinners into festive feasts. This easy-to-make recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta, savory ground beef, colorful bell peppers, and melty cheese in a single pot, delivering a comforting meal in just under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy families or cozy gatherings, this dish promises a delicious explosion of flavors that will leave everyone coming back for more.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients on your counter for an organized cooking experience.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté the diced onions in a splash of oil until translucent. Add chopped bell peppers and cook until tender.
3. Push the veggies to one side and add the ground beef. Brown the meat while breaking it apart with a spatula; season with salt and pepper.
4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and mix well.
5. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes along with uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through (about 10-12 minutes).
6. Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One-Pot Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg