Description
Savory one pot beef taco pasta combines Mexican and Italian flavors for a quick family dinner. Hearty ingredients merge in a single skillet, delivering zesty comfort with minimal cleanup for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
- 2 cups (200 g) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz/411 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat until it develops a rich, caramelized exterior, approximately 6-8 minutes. Eliminate surplus fat through careful draining.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their delicate flavors.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning generously, then incorporate beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, creating a robust and zesty foundation.
- Fold uncooked pasta into the liquid mixture, ensuring each piece is submerged. Elevate heat to trigger a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cover the pot and allow the pasta to cook undisturbed for 12-15 minutes, periodically checking for optimal tenderness and liquid absorption.
- Once pasta reaches perfect consistency, remove from heat and integrate shredded cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Optional: Fold in a dollop of sour cream for added richness and tang.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, creating a vibrant and appetizing presentation. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning or using a mild or hot variant for different taste preferences.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the dish.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful meal.
- Opt for whole wheat pasta to increase fiber content and make the recipe more nutritionally balanced.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 565 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg