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This Single Pot Taco Beef Pasta combines the bold tastes of Mexican-style food with cozy pasta comfort all in one pan. The well-seasoned ground beef mixes with soft pasta and gooey cheese for a tasty meal that's super easy to make. What makes this dish great is how simple it is – everything cooks in one pot, so the pasta soaks up all those yummy flavors while it bubbles away.
I've made this tons of times for my family and found it's just right for those hectic nights when you want something filling but don't have time for fancy cooking or lots of cleanup.
Fresh Ingredients Make the Difference
- Ground Beef: Go for 85/15 to get just the right mix of taste and juiciness.
- Pasta: Smaller shapes like penne or rotini grab the sauce really well.
- Taco Seasoning: Using newly opened spices really ups the flavor.
- Tomatoes: The fire-roasted kind bring extra taste to the party.
- Cheese: Grate it yourself for smoother melting than the bagged stuff.
- Broth: Beef broth gives more richness than just using water.
Putting Together Your Tasty Dish
- Making the Foundation:
- Start by cooking your beef until it's nicely browned, creating rich flavors that'll spread through the whole meal.
- Adding the Kick:
- Mix your taco spices with the meat to wake up their flavors and make them stronger.
- Pouring in Liquids:
- Add your broth and tomatoes, making sure to scrape up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom.
- Cooking the Pasta:
- Toss in your pasta and let it simmer in the spicy liquid, giving it a stir now and then so it doesn't stick.
- Adding the Finishing Touch:
- Sprinkle in freshly grated cheese and let it melt into a smooth, creamy sauce.
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My kids really love when I throw in some corn and black beans too. It looks prettier, adds some nice texture, and makes everything more filling.
Tasty Ways to Serve
Make this meal even better by putting out small bowls with fresh toppings like chopped tomatoes, lettuce strips, and sliced jalapeños so everyone can dress up their own plate.
Switch Things Up
Try different pasta shapes or swap in ground turkey if you want something lighter. Throwing in a can of drained black beans makes it even more satisfying.
Saving Leftovers
Store what's left in a sealed container for up to three days. When you warm it up again, add a little bit of broth to bring back the creamy sauce.
After cooking one-pot dinners for years, this Taco Pasta really stands out because it's both easy and packed with flavor. It shows that tasty, filling meals don't need to be complex or leave you with tons of dishes. Whenever I cook this, I'm reminded that sometimes the tastiest food comes from simple ingredients and easy cooking methods.
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Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I try other pasta shapes?
- Sure! Penne, rotini, or even shells work wonderfully for this dish.
- → How should I store extras?
- Pop leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of water when reheating.
- → Can I make this hotter?
- Absolutely—add jalapeños or a spicy taco seasoning for a fiery kick.
- → Does ground turkey work here?
- Yes, turkey’s a lighter option and tastes great in this dish.
- → What are good toppings to use?
- You can add sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of tomatoes!