One-Pot Taco Pasta

Introduction

One-Pot Taco Pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights—it’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor, all made in a single pot! The first time I made this, I was craving tacos but wanted pasta too. So, I threw together ground beef, taco seasoning, pasta, and cheese into one pot, and hoped for the best. What came out was a rich, spicy, satisfying dish that tasted like a taco party in a bowl. Plus, fewer dishes to wash is always a win!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini work well)
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Brown the Meat:
   In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Add Seasonings & Liquids:
   Stir in taco seasoning, broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer the Pasta:
   Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in Corn & Cheese:
   If using corn, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• Customize It: Add black beans or chopped bell peppers for extra fiber and nutrients.
• Make It Spicy: Include a diced jalapeño or extra red pepper flakes.
• Use What You Have: Ground chicken or plant-based meat also works well.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days—great for lunch leftovers!

This is just one example, if you want to vary your table every night, here we have 12 good lazy dinner