Description
This Beef Taco Pasta is a hearty and flavorful one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and cheesy goodness. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner, it brings together the vibrant tastes of taco seasoning and classic pasta ingredients for a comforting dish loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (450g)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 8 ounces pasta (225g, such as penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth or water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup jalapeños or diced bell peppers
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic for enhanced flavor. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the browned beef. Stir well to fully coat the meat with the spices, ensuring the flavor is distributed throughout.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth or water into the pot with the seasoned beef. Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and forms a creamy sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and garnish with your preferred toppings such as fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can add black beans, corn kernels, and diced jalapeños or bell peppers during the simmering step for extra texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of taco seasoning or add more jalapeños.
- Use beef broth instead of water for a richer taste.
- For a lower-fat version, consider using lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American