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Easy One-Pot Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

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A quick and easy one-pot taco pasta recipe with ground beef, combining creamy, cheesy sauce with spicy taco seasoning for a hearty and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 8 ounces (225 g) medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 400 g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted optional)
  • 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 1 minute until shimmering.
  2. Add diced onions and minced garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a bit for flavor.
  4. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir well to coat the beef evenly, cooking for another minute to toast the spices.
  5. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  6. Pour in the dry pasta, stirring to ensure it is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check pasta for doneness.
  7. When pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stir in heavy cream (if using) and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
  9. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices.

Notes

Do not skip browning the beef for best flavor. Use small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells for even cooking and better sauce absorption. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking but avoid constant stirring to maintain texture. Add cheese off the heat to avoid grainy texture. Use fresh garlic and onion for best flavor. If sauce is too thick after resting, add a splash of broth or cream and gently reheat before serving. Ground turkey can substitute beef; gluten-free pasta or rice noodles can be used for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, taco pasta, ground beef, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, cheesy pasta, Tex-Mex

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/easy-one-pot-taco-pasta-with-ground-beef-recipe-for-quick-dinner/