Thick, bubbly, and deeply savory . This One Pot Taco Pasta brings together seasoned ground beef and tender fusilli in a rich tomato base. James loves when the kitchen smells like roasted cumin and chili powder on a Tuesday night. You need to try this hearty Taco Pasta tonight for a fuss-free meal that cleans up in minutes.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
You will appreciate how this One Pot Taco Pasta streamlines dinner without sacrificing deep flavor. The primary benefit is the built-in sauce that forms as the noodles release their starches directly into the broth. It is a fantastic Easy Taco Pasta option for busy evenings when the family needs something filling fast. Ethan practically cheered when he saw the bubbling cheese melting over the top. It requires minimal dishes and delivers complete satisfaction.
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Gather These Items
Preparing this dish requires just a few pantry staples and a single heavy skillet. It is the ideal One Pot Pasta Ground Beef choice when you want a complete meal without piling up dishes in the sink.
Scroll to the recipe card for ingredients and step-by-step directions.
Main Ingredients
- Olive oil: prevents the meat from sticking to the pan.
- Ground beef: provides a hearty, savory foundation.
- Yellow onion: diced finely for aromatic sweetness.
- Chili powder: adds a mild, earthy warmth.
- Ground cumin: brings a deep, roasted flavor.
- Dried oregano: balances the spices with an herbal note.
- Tomato paste: thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes & green chiles: provides bright acidity and heat.
- Brown rice pasta: fusilli holds the sauce perfectly in its grooves.
- Chicken broth: cooks the noodles while building flavor.
- Shredded cheese: optional, for melting over the top.
Optional Extras
Stirring in a handful of black beans adds extra fiber and texture. Sliced avocado or fresh cilantro on top brings a vibrant, creamy contrast to the warm skillet.
Follow These Steps
This straightforward process yields flavorful results, acting as a great Creamy Taco Pasta base for busy weeknights.
Brown the Beef Heat the oil over medium-high heat and cook the beef and onions until the meat is no longer pink. Breaking it up with a spoon ensures even cooking, giving you a crumbly, browned foundation.
Season the Meat Drain any excess fat, then stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Coating the meat fully toasts the spices, leaving you with a dark, fragrant mixture.
Simmer the Pasta Add the dry pasta, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth, bringing everything to a steady boil.
Wondering if you can use water instead of broth? Using broth builds a richer savory foundation, allowing the noodles to absorb maximum flavor and plump up beautifully. Simmering the noodles directly in the liquid infuses them with flavor, resulting in tender fusilli coated in a thick sauce.
Melt the Cheese Turn off the heat once the noodles are al dente, then stir in the shredded cheese to melt. Letting it stand for a few minutes allows the dairy to melt seamlessly, giving you a glossy, bubbling finish.
Kitchen Wisdom
Keeping a few details in mind ensures this One Pot Taco Pasta turns out beautifully every time.
Let it rest → this allows the sauce to thicken → the liquid coats the back of a spoon.
Drain the fat → this prevents a greasy sauce → the liquid remains rich and unified.
Toast the spices → this blooms their natural oils → the mixture becomes deeply fragrant.
Stir occasionally → this stops noodles from sticking → the pasta stays separate and plump.
Remove from heat early → this prevents overcooking → the noodles maintain a firm bite.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Easy Swaps
This dish handles modifications well. Substituting ground turkey for beef creates a lighter base that still absorbs all the smoky spices beautifully. Using black bean pasta instead of brown rice fusilli adds extra protein while maintaining that firm, satisfying texture in the bubbling skillet.
Keeping It Fresh
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days. The sauce will thicken significantly as it cools. Reheat gently in a warm pan on the stove with a splash of broth to restore the glossy texture, avoiding the microwave to prevent mushy noodles.
Serving Ideas
This One Pot Taco Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lime vinaigrette. James loves scooping up the extra sauce with warm tortilla chips. Serving it alongside grilled corn on the cob provides a sweet contrast to the savory, spiced skillet.
Common Questions
Can I use a different shape of pasta?
Yes, penne or macaroni works perfectly in this dish. Ensure you choose a shape with ridges or holes to hold the thick sauce, though you may need to adjust the simmering time slightly to reach that ideal al dente texture.
Why did my sauce turn out too watery?
A watery result usually stems from keeping a lid on the skillet while simmering. Cooking uncovered allows the excess moisture to evaporate properly, ensuring the liquid reduces down into a rich, thick glaze that coats the noodles.
What can I substitute for the diced green chiles?
Freshly diced bell peppers make an excellent, mild substitute. They provide a similar slight crunch and bright flavor without the added heat, keeping the overall profile balanced and perfectly suited for younger kids at the dinner table.
How long can I keep this in the freezer?
Freezing is not recommended for this specific recipe. Gluten-free pasta tends to break down and become incredibly grainy when frozen and thawed, leaving you with an unappealing, mushy texture once you attempt to reheat it on the stove.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed this dinner, you will definitely want to make this One Pot Taco Pasta again soon.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
One Pot Taco Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat and cook the beef and onions until the meat is no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat, then stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and tomato paste.
- Add the dry pasta, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth, bringing everything to a steady boil before reducing the heat.
- Turn off the heat once the noodles are al dente, then stir in the shredded cheese to melt.
- Garnish the skillet with cilantro, avocado, jalapeños, and radishes just before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
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