One-Pot Taco Pasta
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This One-Pot Taco Pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights, combining bold flavors and easy cleanup in one delicious dish. You’ll love how simple it is to make, with minimal prep and just one pot to wash afterward.
- Family-friendly flavor: Packed with zesty taco seasoning, tender pasta, and melty cheese, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or extra hot sauce to make it your own.
Recipe
This one-pot taco pasta combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comfort of pasta for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melted cheese, all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 8 oz elbow pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, avocado
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef with the onion over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, water, salsa, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted.
- Serve with optional toppings as desired.
Notes:
- For extra spice, use hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Time:
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutrition
This One-Pot Taco Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my one-pot taco pasta with simple side dishes like a crisp green salad or roasted veggies, which add a fresh contrast to the meal. Don’t forget to set out complementary toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for everyone to customize their bowl. It’s an easy way to make the dish feel extra special without much extra work!
Side Dish Options
A few simple sides can turn your one-pot taco pasta into a full, satisfying meal. I love adding spicy toppings like jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to kick things up a notch. For flavor pairings, I often serve it with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies, which balance the richness of the dish. A side of warm tortilla chips or garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. Sometimes, I’ll even make a quick guacamole or corn salsa for a fresh, zesty touch. These sides make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight.
Complementary Toppings
When it comes to making your one-pot taco pasta truly shine, don’t underestimate the power of toppings—they’re like the finishing touches that turn a good meal into a great one. I love adding a dollop of sour cream for creaminess, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor, and a handful of shredded cheese because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better. For some freshness, I go for avocado slices, and if I’m feeling bold, a few jalapeño peppers for a kick. Finally, crushed tortilla chips add the perfect crunch. It’s all about layering textures and flavors!
