One Pot Beef Taco Pasta (Printable Format)

A quick, family-friendly dinner combining ground beef, pasta, and taco flavors - all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup.

# What You'll Gather:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 pound ground beef (450g)
02 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
03 - 8 ounces pasta (225g, such as penne, rotini, or shells)
04 - 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
05 - 1 cup tomato sauce
06 - 2 cups beef broth or water
07 - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

→ Optional Ingredients

08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10 - ½ cup black beans
11 - ½ cup corn kernels
12 - ¼ cup jalapeños or diced bell peppers

→ For Garnish (Optional)

13 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - Green onions, sliced
15 - Sour cream

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. (Optional) Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic for extra flavor. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
02 - Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the browned beef. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
03 - Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth or water to the pot. Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
04 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
05 - Once the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
06 - Remove from heat and garnish with your choice of toppings: cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

# Important Tips:

01 - Add black beans and corn with the liquids for a heartier meal.
02 - For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
03 - This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well.
04 - You can use homemade taco seasoning for a customized flavor.