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To make One Pot Taco Pasta, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - Ground turkey or beef - Olive oil - Chopped onion - Minced garlic - Diced bell pepper - Taco seasoning - Chicken or vegetable broth - Pasta selection - Diced tomatoes with green chilies - Corn - Black beans - Shredded cheese - Seasoning (salt and pepper) - Garnish (fresh cilantro) Each ingredient plays a big role in the flavor and texture of the dish. You can use ground turkey or beef, depending on your taste. Olive oil helps to cook the meat and veggies while adding flavor. The onion and garlic add a nice base for your dish. Diced bell peppers bring color and crunch. Taco seasoning gives the pasta that classic taco taste. Broth adds moisture, while the pasta absorbs all those yummy flavors. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a little heat and tang. Corn and black beans boost nutrition and texture. Finally, shredded cheese makes everything creamy and rich. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop! Fresh cilantro adds a bright finish when you serve the dish. Gather these ingredients to create a meal that is both fun and flavorful! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heating the olive oil Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Use medium-high heat. This step gets the oil hot and ready for cooking. - Browning the meat Add one pound of ground turkey or beef to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes until it turns brown. If there is extra fat, drain it. - Sautéing onion and garlic Next, add one chopped medium onion and two cloves of minced garlic. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. - Incorporating bell pepper and seasoning Now, stir in one diced bell pepper and one packet of taco seasoning. Cook this mix for about 2 minutes. This step lets the spices toast and brings out their flavor. - Adding broth and pasta Pour in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Then, add 12 ounces of pasta, like rotini or penne. Stir well to make sure the pasta is submerged. - Mixing in diced tomatoes, corn, and beans Add one can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, one cup of corn, and one cup of black beans. Mix everything together. It should look colorful and hearty. - Bringing to a boil and simmering Bring the pot to a boil. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked and the sauce thickens. - Stirring in cheese Remove the pot from the heat and stir in one cup of shredded cheese. Cheddar or a Mexican blend works well. Mix until the cheese melts. - Seasoning to taste Taste your dish and add salt and pepper if needed. This step helps balance the flavors. - Garnishing with cilantro If you want, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top before serving. It adds a nice touch and fresh flavor. - Choosing the right pasta: For this dish, I love using rotini or penne. These shapes hold the sauce well. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed. - Adjusting spice levels: If you like it spicy, add more taco seasoning or some hot sauce. For a milder dish, use less seasoning. Taste as you go! - Best cooking techniques for flavor: Sauté your onions and garlic until soft. This builds a strong flavor base. Toast the spices briefly too, which adds depth to the dish. - Not monitoring cooking time: Keep an eye on your pasta. Overcooking can make it mushy. Stir often to ensure even cooking. - Overcrowding the pot: Make sure your pot is big enough. If it's too crowded, the pasta won’t cook evenly. This can lead to clumps. - Skipping seasoning: Don't forget to salt your dish! Seasoning makes a big difference. Taste as you cook to find the right balance. - Vegetables for extra nutrition: Add veggies like spinach or zucchini for more nutrients. This makes the dish colorful and healthy. - Protein variations: You can swap ground turkey or beef for chicken or even tofu. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting. - Different cheese choices: While cheddar works great, try pepper jack for extra heat. You can also use a dairy-free cheese if you prefer. Pro Tips Brown the Meat Well: Make sure to brown the ground turkey or beef properly to develop a rich flavor base for the dish. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach to increase nutrition and flavor. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a creamier texture. Leftover Transformation: Use any leftovers to create a delicious burrito or taco filling the next day! {{image_2}} You can easily make One Pot Taco Pasta without meat. Use plant-based protein like lentils or tofu. Make sure to cook them well for the best flavor. You can also use a vegan cheese alternative. Look for brands that melt well, like cashew or almond-based options. This way, you get the creamy texture without dairy. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose a gluten-free pasta brand. Some good options include chickpea or brown rice pasta. These types hold their shape and taste great. You can also use alternatives like quinoa or zucchini noodles. Both add a nice twist to the dish while keeping it gluten-free. To give your pasta an extra kick, add hot sauce or salsa. Just mix it in during the cooking process. This adds heat and a fresh taste. You can also try different taco seasoning blends. Some have smoky flavors while others might be spicy or sweet. Experiment to find your favorite! To keep your One Pot Taco Pasta fresh, place leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to avoid spills and keep out air. This helps the dish stay tasty for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy your pasta again, reheat it gently. The best way is to use a pot on low heat. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use the microwave, but heat in short bursts. Stir in between to keep the pasta moist. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Let the pasta cool completely before packing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. Enjoy your pasta as if it were fresh! One Pot Taco Pasta is a fun and tasty meal. It mixes pasta with taco flavors. You cook everything in one pot, making clean-up easy. The dish has ground meat, pasta, beans, and veggies. It’s creamy and cheesy, perfect for family dinners. You will need about 15 minutes to prep. Cooking takes around 15 minutes. In total, you can make this dish in about 30 minutes. This makes it a great option for busy nights. Yes, you can prepare One Pot Taco Pasta ahead of time. Cook it fully, then let it cool. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, just heat it up. One Pot Taco Pasta pairs well with many sides. You can serve a simple green salad. Cornbread or tortilla chips add a nice crunch. You might also enjoy fresh guacamole or salsa on the side. Absolutely! You can swap ground turkey or beef for chicken or pork. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or lentils. Just adjust cooking times as needed for different proteins. One Pot Taco Pasta is simple and fun to make. We covered key ingredients and easy steps to guide you through. With options for everyone, like vegetarian and gluten-free, there's a version for all. Remember, avoid common mistakes to boost flavor. Store and reheat leftovers properly for the best taste. Enjoy this meal as a family-friendly dish or a quick weeknight option. Stay creative, try new flavors, and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

One Pot Taco Pasta

A delicious and easy one pot meal featuring pasta, ground meat, and taco flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey or beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 12 oz pasta (like rotini or penne)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Stir in the diced bell pepper and taco seasoning, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices.
  • Pour in the broth, then add the pasta, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, and black beans. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword easy meal, one pot, pasta, taco