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Easy One-Pot Taco Pasta with Ground Beef

one pot taco pasta - featured image

A quick and fuss-free one-pot taco pasta recipe with ground beef, perfect for busy weeknights. This comforting dish combines seasoned beef, pasta, and cheese in a flavorful tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 8 ounces medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup black beans, drained (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat evenly. Pour in tomato sauce and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
  4. Pour in 2 cups beef broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add dry pasta, stirring to submerge it in the liquid.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover loosely. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Add black beans if using. Stir gently until cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Add a splash of broth or water if mixture is too thick.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Stir frequently while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking. Adjust thickness of sauce by adding broth or simmering uncovered. For dairy-free or vegan, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, cheddar with vegan cheese, and beef broth with vegetable broth. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, taco pasta, ground beef, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food