Quick & Zesty One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

Weeknight dinners call for something magical like this one pot taco pasta that combines zesty Mexican flavors with comforting pasta goodness.

Busy families will adore how quickly this meal comes together in a single skillet.

The hearty blend of ground beef, vibrant spices, and cheesy pasta creates an irresistible dinner solution that screams deliciousness.

Packed with bold seasonings and simple ingredients, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes that dance across your palate.

Cheese lovers and taco enthusiasts will find themselves reaching for seconds before the first serving is even finished.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone at the table asking for more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

One Pot Taco Pasta Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, savory foundation with rich meaty flavor, choose lean cut for less grease.
• Plant-Based Meat: Excellent vegetarian alternative, select crumbles with similar texture to beef.

• Onion: Adds depth and sweetness, sweet vidalia or white varieties work best.
• Bell Pepper: Brings crunch and subtle sweetness, mix red and green for vibrant color.
• Canned Green Chilis: Introduces mild heat and tangy undertone, fire-roasted types offer deeper flavor.

• Taco Seasoning: Delivers authentic southwestern kick, look for low-sodium blends.
• Paprika: Contributes warm, slightly smoky essence, Spanish paprika recommended.
• Cumin: Provides earthy, complex undertones, freshly ground preferred.
• Canned Tomatoes: Creates rich, tangy sauce base, whole peeled tomatoes work best.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and deepens overall taste, low-sodium options suggested.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates creamy texture, sharp cheddar recommended.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh, bright herbal notes, wash thoroughly before chopping.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, zesty finish, fresh squeezed preferred over bottled.
• Hot Sauce: Optional spicy kick, choose according to heat preference.

Equipment to Prepare One Pot Taco Pasta

• Large Pot (5-6 quarts): Essential for cooking all ingredients in one pan, providing ample space for mixing and simmering.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add taco seasoning, paprika, and cumin for balanced flavor.
• Can Opener: Needed to open canned tomatoes and green chilis easily.
• Cutting Board: Use for chopping onions, bell peppers, and cilantro with precision.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing vegetables and preparing ingredients quickly.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Helpful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Instructions for Cooking One Pot Taco Pasta

• Flavor Foundation Warm up a spacious cooking vessel and drizzle some olive oil. Toss in diced onions and bell peppers, letting them dance and soften. Introduce ground beef, breaking it into delightful crumbles. Cook until the meat loses its rosy hue.
• Spice Symphony Sprinkle in vibrant taco seasonings, creating an aromatic melody. Add juicy tomatoes and zesty green chilis. Nestle dry pasta into this flavorful pool. Pour in rich beef broth and let everything mingle.
• Pasta Magic Bring the mixture to a bubbling crescendo, then lower the heat. Cover and let the pasta simmer gently, absorbing all the delicious flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Creamy Finale Turn off the heat and invite shredded cheese to melt into the dish. Shower with fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice. Let the pasta rest and thicken, allowing flavors to harmonize before serving.

Taco Pasta Flavor Variations and Ideas

• Lean Meat Magic: Choose ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish. These alternatives reduce fat content while maintaining delicious taco-inspired flavors.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning. For extra kick, add diced jalapeños or increase hot sauce quantity to suit personal preference.
• Veggie Power Boost: Sneak in extra vegetables like zucchini, corn, or black beans to increase nutritional value. Chop them finely to blend seamlessly with the pasta and meat mixture.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, Mexican blend, or sharp cheddar. Each variety brings a unique taste profile that elevates the dish's overall richness.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or brown rice pasta. Ensure cooking times might slightly vary with alternative pasta types.

Serving One Pot Taco Pasta with Sides

• Taco Pasta Party Platter: Arrange the pasta on a large platter, garnishing with extra cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of cheese to create a vibrant, festive presentation that'll wow your guests.
• Loaded Taco Pasta Bowl: Top each serving with crispy tortilla strips, a dollop of sour cream, fresh diced avocado, and a zesty salsa for an explosion of textures and flavors that take the dish to the next level.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Companion: Pair this one-pot wonder with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or some warm corn tortillas to soak up the delicious sauce, making dinner both easy and satisfying.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Repurpose any remaining pasta by turning it into a cold pasta salad the next day, adding extra fresh herbs, a splash of olive oil, and perhaps some grilled chicken for a delicious lunch option.

Storing Taco Pasta While Keeping It Creamy

• Refrigeration Revival: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Chilled taco pasta stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a splash of broth to restore moisture and prevent drying.
• Quick Reheating Tricks: Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a few tablespoons of broth or water to prevent sticking. Microwave option: Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the dish ahead of time and divide into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches. Top with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime just before serving to refresh the flavors and add a bright, zesty touch.

Spicy One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty one pot taco pasta delight combines zesty Mexican spices with creamy pasta for a quick family meal. Simple ingredients and minimal cleanup make this dish a weeknight winner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or 12 oz Impossible Meat for a plant-based version)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 8 oz elbow pasta
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsps homemade taco seasoning or 1 (1-oz) packet taco seasoning
• 1 (4-oz) can chopped green chilis
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsps fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
• Salt, as needed
• Green onions
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Prep Foundational Layer: Heat a large pot over medium-high flame, coating the bottom with olive oil to create a flavorful cooking surface.
2. Aromatics Development: Sauté onions and bell peppers until they soften and release their fragrant essence, establishing a rich flavor base.
3. Protein Integration: Add ground beef, crumbling and browning thoroughly while incorporating taco seasoning, paprika, and cumin to develop a deep, spicy profile.
4. Sauce Formation: Merge diced tomatoes and green chilis into the meat mixture, creating a vibrant and zesty sauce that will infuse the entire dish.
5. Pasta Incorporation: Introduce uncooked pasta directly into the pot, ensuring each piece becomes coated with the seasoned mixture and absorbs maximum flavor.
6. Liquid Activation: Pour beef broth over the ingredients, bringing the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer and cover to steam-cook the pasta.
7. Final Flourish: Once pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese until it creates a luxurious, creamy consistency.
8. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, squeeze lime juice, and add optional hot sauce, allowing the flavors to harmonize before serving this vibrant one-pot meal immediately.

Notes

• Meat Flexibility: Choose ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles to customize protein preferences without compromising flavor.
• Spice Control: Adjust taco seasoning intensity by using homemade or store-bought blends, tailoring heat levels to personal taste preferences.
• Liquid Precision: Watch broth quantity carefully to prevent dry or soggy pasta; small adjustments ensure perfect texture and consistency.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve smooth, creamy incorporation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg