Description
Craving a quick dinner that’s bursting with flavor and easy to clean up? Classic One Pot Taco Pasta is your dream come true. This hearty dish blends seasoned ground beef, taco spices, tender pasta shells, and a creamy cheese finish—all in just one pan. It’s the perfect easy dinner, comfort food, or weeknight go-to, especially when you’re short on time but want big flavor. Whether you’re searching for dinner ideas, a cozy one-pot meal, or a kid-friendly easy recipe, this pasta delivers satisfaction in every cheesy bite.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (10 oz) can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 1/2 cups beef broth
2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
2. Add diced onions and cook for 3 more minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Mix in taco seasoning, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
4. Add Rotel, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the uncooked pasta shells, ensuring they are submerged. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Once pasta is tender and liquid absorbed, turn off heat. Stir in both cheeses until melted and creamy.
7. Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Garnish with parsley or cilantro if using and serve hot.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk before stirring in the cheese.
You can add corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers for variety.
Letting the pasta rest before serving makes the sauce cling perfectly to the shells.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: easy dinner, one pot pasta, taco pasta, comfort food, dinner ideas