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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 combining ground beef, pasta, and taco seasoning for a cheesy, spicy, and savory comfort meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz) taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional but recommended)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beef is fully browned and onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning packet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add beef broth, water, and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juice). Stir to combine.
  4. Pour in uncooked pasta and stir to distribute evenly. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If pasta is not tender and liquid is low, add a splash of water and cook briefly.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until creamy and well combined.
  8. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or extra sour cream.

Notes

Brown the beef well for best flavor. Stir occasionally during simmer to prevent sticking. Add water or broth if sauce thickens too much after adding cheese. Sour cream adds richness and balances spice. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet. Dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives work for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

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

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