One Pot Taco Pasta

$- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey) - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth) - 8 oz pasta (shells or rotini) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Sour cream for serving I love using simple ingredients in my One Pot Taco Pasta. You need just a few basic items. Ground beef or turkey gives it a great base. The diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper add flavor and texture. A packet of taco seasoning brings all the spices together nicely. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a nice kick. The broth helps the pasta cook perfectly. You can use shells or rotini, whichever you prefer. Black beans and corn are great for fiber and taste. Finally, don’t forget the cheese! It melts beautifully on top. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds color and freshness. To serve, a dollop of sour cream gives creaminess. These ingredients work together for a tasty meal. Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Cook until it turns brown, stirring often. If there is extra fat, drain it. This keeps the dish light and tasty. Next, stir in 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced bell pepper. Cook this mix for about 3-4 minutes. It will smell great as the vegetables soften. Now, sprinkle in 1 packet of taco seasoning. This step boosts the flavor a lot. Cook for another minute to blend the spices well. Now it’s time to add the heart of the dish. Mix in 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, 2 cups of beef broth, and 8 ounces of pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. This is key for even cooking. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot to trap the steam. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir it occasionally until the pasta is al dente. If it looks dry, add a splash of broth or water. After the pasta cooks, stir in 1 can of black beans and 1 cup of corn. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. This warms everything through and adds great texture. Remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts. It will create a creamy topping. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy your one pot taco pasta! - Use a non-stick pot to avoid sticking. - Keep stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from clumping. These simple tips will make your cooking easier. A non-stick pot helps the food slide out smoothly. Stirring the pasta stops it from sticking together. This way, each bite remains delightful. - Substitute ground meat for a vegetarian option. - Add chopped jalapeños for extra heat. You can easily change this dish to fit your taste. If you want a veggie meal, replace meat with beans or lentils. For a spicy kick, toss in some jalapeños. This adds a nice heat that many enjoy. - Serve with tortilla chips on the side. - Pair with a fresh side salad. Taco pasta pairs well with crunchy tortilla chips. They add a fun texture. A fresh side salad complements the dish. It brings a nice balance with its crisp greens. Enjoy your meal with these tasty sides! {{image_2}} You can easily change some ingredients in One Pot Taco Pasta. For a healthier option, use whole grain or gluten-free pasta. This choice adds fiber and keeps the dish light. You can also mix in different vegetables. Zucchini and spinach work well. They add color and nutrition to your meal. Adding a splash of lime juice can really brighten the dish. The tangy flavor lifts the taste and makes it pop. You can also top your pasta with avocado slices. This adds a creamy texture that balances the spices. Both of these enhancements make the dish even better. Cheese makes everything better! You can experiment with different types. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, perfect for those who love heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, go for mozzarella. It melts beautifully and gives a nice stretchy texture. Mixing and matching cheeses can change the whole feel of the dish. Store any leftover One Pot Taco Pasta in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing the container. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. You can freeze One Pot Taco Pasta in individual portions. It will last for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight. This way, it warms up slowly and retains its flavor and texture. Reheat your pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. When using the stovetop, add a splash of broth. This restores moisture and keeps the pasta from drying out. Always check the temperature before serving to ensure it’s hot all the way through. Yes, use a plant-based meat substitute or omit the meat entirely. Many tasty options exist. You can also add more beans or mushrooms for a hearty feel. Pasta is al dente when it is cooked but still firm to the bite. Taste a piece to check. It should have a slight resistance, not be mushy. Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead but cook it fresh for best texture. If you cook it too early, the pasta can get too soft. Chopping veggies and measuring spices saves time. A mix of cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Adjust the amounts to fit your taste. You can also add some onion powder for extra flavor. Absolutely! It stores well and is easy to reheat for quick meals. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes great for lunch or dinner later in the week. For the complete preparation steps, refer to the Full Recipe for One Pot Taco Pasta. One Pot Taco Pasta is an easy and tasty dish. We covered the main ingredients, tools, and steps. You can customize it to fit your taste. Don’t forget tips for storage and reheating. This meal is great for busy nights or meal prep. Enjoy cooking your savory, one-pot creation. It's sure to become a family favorite!$

Looking for a quick and delicious meal? Try this One Pot Taco Pasta recipe! It's packed with flavors from ground beef, fresh veggies, and cheesy goodness, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy nights or meal prep, this dish is customizable to suit your taste. Click through to explore the full recipe and get ready to whip up a hearty dinner that your family will love in no time!

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Ingredients

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

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

1 packet taco seasoning

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)

8 oz pasta (shells or rotini work well)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

Sauté Meat and Veggies: In a large pot or Dutch oven, over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Season It Up: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the mixture and stir well to combine, cooking for an additional minute to bring out the flavors.

Combine Essentials: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and pasta to the pot. Stir to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente. If the pot gets too dry, add a bit more broth or water.

Add Black Beans and Corn: Stir in the black beans and corn, cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Cheesy Finish: Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts.

Season to Taste: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve Up: Garnish with chopped cilantro and top with a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve directly from the pot for a rustic feel or portion into bowls. Add extra cheese and cilantro on top for an appealing color contrast. Enjoy the vibrant flavors!