Description
Hearty one pot beef taco pasta blends Mexican and Italian cuisines in a single skillet. Savory ground beef, zesty spices, and melted cheese create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights you’ll devour with enthusiasm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Pasta and Seasoning Components:
- 1.5 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or shell)
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a spacious pot over medium-high heat, ensuring complete crumbling and rendering out excess fat.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly and develop deep flavor profiles.
- Stream beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the pot, bringing the liquid to a gentle, rolling simmer.
- Introduce uncooked pasta directly into the bubbling sauce, allowing it to cook for 12-15 minutes while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
- Reduce heat to low, then fold in heavy cream for luxurious richness and gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
- Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a bright, herbaceous finish and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Trim excess fat from ground beef to reduce greasiness and create a leaner dish.
- Consider using lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without compromising flavor.
- Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Add bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition and vibrant color in the one-pot meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg