One Pot Taco Pasta

$- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta - 1 cup frozen corn kernels - 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican cheese blend) - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish - Optional: Sour cream for serving - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste To make this One Pot Taco Pasta, you only need a few simple items. Ground beef or turkey forms the base of the dish. I love using ground turkey for a lighter option. Onions and garlic add a great flavor. Dice the onion finely. Mince the garlic to blend well. The taco seasoning is key here. It gives the dish its signature taste. The diced tomatoes with green chilies add depth and spice. Make sure to use them undrained to help cook the pasta. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and flavorful. For the pasta, I prefer elbow macaroni or rotini. Both types soak up the sauce well. Frozen corn and black beans add texture and nutrition. Finally, cheese melts into a creamy topping. I usually use cheddar or a Mexican blend. Garnish with cilantro for a fresh touch. Sour cream is optional but adds a nice creaminess. Use salt and pepper to adjust the flavor. These ingredients come together to create a simple yet tasty meal. You can find the complete list in the Full Recipe. - Cook the ground beef or turkey: Start by placing the meat in a large pot over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until no pink remains. If there's extra fat, drain it away. - Sauté onion and garlic: Next, add the finely diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir them for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. - Mix in taco seasoning: Now, sprinkle the taco seasoning into the pot. Stir well so the meat and onions are fully coated. This adds a great flavor to your dish. - Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth: After that, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, juices included, and the chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. - Add pasta and cover to cook: Once it simmers, add the pasta. Make sure the pasta is fully covered by the broth. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir it occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking. - Incorporate corn and black beans: When the pasta is al dente, fold in the corn and black beans. Mix everything well and let it heat for 2-3 minutes until warm. - Stir in shredded cheese: Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts. This creates a creamy sauce that hugs the pasta. - Season to taste: Taste your dish and add salt and cracked pepper as needed. This will enhance the flavors. - Serve the dish: Now, your One Pot Taco Pasta is ready to enjoy! Serve it in bowls. Top it with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if you like. For extra flavor, feel free to add more cheese before serving. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. - To prevent pasta from sticking, stir it well while it cooks. - Use medium heat for cooking the meat and onions. This keeps them from browning too fast. - Simmering is key. It helps blend the flavors well and cooks the pasta right. - For garnishing, sprinkle fresh cilantro and cheese on top. It adds color and taste. - Pair your One Pot Taco Pasta with a side salad or some tortilla chips for crunch. - To serve leftovers, try making a taco bowl. Add some avocado or extra cheese for fun. {{image_4}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Ground turkey works well if you want a leaner option. It has a mild flavor that soaks up the taco seasoning. Ground beef is a classic choice, adding richness. If you prefer vegetarian meals, try lentils or crumbled tofu. Both options absorb the spices and provide great texture. Pasta type matters too. If you need gluten-free options, use rice pasta or quinoa pasta. These work well and keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive folks. For seasoning, consider low-sodium taco seasoning to cut back on salt. If you like heat, try spicy taco seasoning or add hot sauce for an extra kick. Want to spice things up? Add chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat. You can also mix in cumin or smoked paprika for depth. Vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can boost nutrition and flavor. Top with sliced jalapeños for a fresh crunch. Each swap can turn this dish into something new and fun. For the full recipe, check out the section above! To store your One Pot Taco Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, use the stovetop for the best flavor. Add a splash of broth to keep it moist. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. This prevents it from burning or drying out. You can freeze One Pot Taco Pasta for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay good for up to 3 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop with a little broth. This makes sure it stays creamy and tasty. It takes about 30 minutes in total to make One Pot Taco Pasta. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep time: 10 minutes - Cook time: 20 minutes This includes cooking the meat, sautéing the veggies, and simmering the pasta. It's quick and easy! Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook and cool: Make the dish as usual, then let it cool. - Store: Place it in an airtight container in the fridge. - Reheat: When ready to eat, just warm it on the stove or microwave. This makes it great for meal prep! You can add many tasty things for extra flavor: - Toppings: Try diced avocado, jalapeños, or green onions. - Spices: Add crushed red pepper for heat or smoked paprika for depth. - Vegetables: Mix in bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition. These options will make your One Pot Taco Pasta even more delicious. For the full recipe, check the link provided! One Pot Taco Pasta is simple and tasty. We covered the key ingredients needed and how to cook them step-by-step. I shared tips for great texture and flavor, plus ideas for switching up the recipe. With these easy steps, you can impress friends and family with a delicious meal. Don’t forget to try different flavors and make it your own. Enjoy every bite and share your version!$

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this One Pot Taco Pasta Delight recipe! Packed with savory ground beef or turkey, zesty taco seasoning, and hearty pasta, it's a dish full of flavor and simplicity. With just one pot, you can whip up a tasty meal that the whole family will love in under 30 minutes. Don't miss out on this delicious recipe - click through to explore how to create your own One Pot Taco Pasta today!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 packet taco seasoning

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup shredded cheese (choose between cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend)

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. If there's excess fat, drain it off.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, stirring well to ensure the meat and onions are evenly coated with the spices. This will enhance the flavor profile of the dish.

Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes along with their juices and the chicken broth. Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Once it starts simmering, add the pasta, making sure it's fully submerged in the broth. Cover the pot with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is cooked al dente.

After the pasta is cooked to perfection, fold in the frozen corn and black beans. Mix thoroughly and allow it to heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is warmed up.

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheese, mixing until it's melted and creates a creamy sauce that envelops the pasta.

Taste the dish and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper according to your preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the One Pot Taco Pasta in bowls, garnished with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess. For extra indulgence, feel free to sprinkle additional cheese before serving. Enjoy your deliciously flavored One Pot Taco Pasta delight!