Get ready for a deliciously easy meal with this One Pot Taco Pasta! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines hearty ingredients like ground beef or turkey, black beans, and cheddar cheese, all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. In just 30 minutes, you can serve a satisfying dinner that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and whip up this mouthwatering dish tonight!
12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta)
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 packet taco seasoning (or a homemade blend)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 cup frozen corn
1 bell pepper, diced (choose any color you prefer)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
![For this One Pot Taco Pasta, you need simple and tasty ingredients that pack a punch. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need: - 12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta) - 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey - 1 packet taco seasoning (or a homemade blend) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth - 1 cup frozen corn - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a dish that is not only easy to make but also full of flavor. Each one plays a role in bringing the dish together. The pasta serves as the base, while the ground meat adds heartiness. Taco seasoning gives a warm, spicy kick. Black beans and corn contribute texture and sweetness, while cheese makes everything creamy. The diced tomatoes brighten the dish and add moisture. When you gather these ingredients, think about how they come together. I love how the colors of the bell pepper and cilantro pop against the pasta. This meal is not just filling; it’s also a feast for the eyes. If you want to dive into the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. - Heat olive oil and sauté vegetables - Brown the ground meat and add seasoning - Combine remaining ingredients and pasta 1. Heat Olive Oil: Start by adding two tablespoons of olive oil to a large pot. Turn the heat to medium. 2. Sauté Vegetables: Add one diced onion and one diced bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they are soft and smell good. 3. Add Garlic: Toss in two minced garlic cloves. Cook for one more minute. Stir it often so it doesn’t burn. 4. Brown the Meat: Add one pound of ground beef or turkey. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. Drain any extra fat if needed. 5. Season the Meat: Sprinkle a packet of taco seasoning over the meat. Mix well to coat every piece. 6. Combine Ingredients: Pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices, one can of rinsed black beans, one cup of frozen corn, and two cups of broth. Stir everything together. 7. Add Pasta: Add 12 oz of uncooked penne pasta. Make sure it’s fully under the liquid. Bring the pot to a boil. 8. Simmer: Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir it a few times until the pasta is tender and most liquid is gone. 9. Add Cheese: Take the pot off the heat. Stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly. 10. Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with fresh cilantro for a nice touch. - Prep time: 15 minutes - Cooking time: 30 minutes - Overcooking the pasta: This can ruin the dish. Pasta should be al dente, firm to the bite. Monitor it closely during the last few minutes of cooking. - Not seasoning properly: Taco seasoning adds a lot of flavor. Don’t skip it, and taste the dish before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to make it just right. - Suggestions for additional spices: Cumin and paprika can take this dish to the next level. Add a teaspoon of each for a warm, smoky flavor. - How to adjust heat levels: If you like spice, add crushed red pepper flakes. For less heat, skip the flakes or use mild taco seasoning. - Perfect sides and garnishes: Serve with tortilla chips or a fresh salad. Top with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime for freshness. - Pairing with drinks: A light beer or a fruity soda pairs well with this dish. If you prefer wine, a chilled white works nicely. These tips will help you create a flavorful One Pot Taco Pasta that everyone will love! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can easily adjust this dish for different diets. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with a mix of beans, lentils, or tofu. This keeps the protein while adding great texture. If you're vegan, use vegetable broth and skip the cheese or try a plant-based cheese alternative. For different meats, you can use ground chicken or pork. Each will give a unique taste. You can also try shredded rotisserie chicken, which saves time and adds flavor. Want more heat? Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also use hot taco seasoning instead of regular. If you like it milder, use less taco seasoning. You can also skip the green chilies in the diced tomatoes. Another trick is to add a dollop of sour cream on top. It cools the heat and adds creaminess. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great options that cook just like regular pasta. You can also use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb choice. Just adjust the cooking time as these options cook faster than pasta. These variations help you make one pot taco pasta fit your taste and needs. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details! Store your One Pot Taco Pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Allow the dish to cool down before sealing it. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These are safe for the fridge and easy to clean. You can freeze One Pot Taco Pasta for later enjoyment. Make sure it cools completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. I suggest dividing it into smaller portions. This makes reheating easier. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. In the fridge, your One Pot Taco Pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you freeze it, it can keep for up to 3 months. To maintain the best taste and texture, use it within this timeframe. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your meal even days later! Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Good choices include rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Each type may have a different cooking time. Here are some general guidelines: - Rotini: 10-12 minutes - Fusilli: 10-12 minutes - Farfalle: 11-13 minutes Just make sure the pasta cooks until it's al dente. This way, it won't turn mushy in the pot. Absolutely! You can add more veggies or proteins to fit your taste. Some great options include: - Zucchini: Chop and add it while sautéing the onions. - Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls just before serving for fresh greens. - Beans: Use pinto beans or kidney beans for added protein. - Chicken: Swap out ground beef for diced chicken breast. Feel free to mix and match according to what you have on hand. Making One Pot Taco Pasta in advance is easy. Here are some tips: 1. Meal Prep: Cook the dish as usual, but stop before adding cheese. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. 2. Reheating: When ready to eat, heat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth to help with moisture. 3. Freezing: You can freeze the cooked pasta too. Just let it cool first. Store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Remember to add cheese just before serving to keep it creamy. Enjoy! This blog post covered a simple, tasty One Pot Taco Pasta. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips to enhance flavor. I shared ways to customize the dish for different diets, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. In the end, this recipe offers a fun and easy meal for any time. Try it out, make it your own, and enjoy delicious flavors!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/e10d95f2-f239-4c9b-a109-dfe4eed06640-250x250.webp)