Craving a weeknight meal that's both flavorful and fuss-free? Look no further than Quick and Easy One Pan Taco Pasta! This dish is a lifesaver for busy families and anyone who wants a delicious dinner without a mountain of dirty dishes.
This delicious one-pan wonder combines the flavors of a classic taco with the ease of a pasta dish. Simple ingredients like ground beef, taco seasoning, and your favorite pasta come together to create a cheesy, Tex-Mex flavored meal that's ready in under 30 minutes. So ditch the takeout menus and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-worthy taco pasta at home - in no time and with minimal cleanup!
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Why You'll Want to Make Quick and Easy One Pan Taco Pasta
- Flavor Fusion Fun: This recipe combines the beloved taste of tacos with the comforting goodness of pasta. It's a flavor explosion that's sure to please everyone at the table.
- Minimal Cleanup, Maximum Happiness: Say goodbye to mountains of dirty dishes! This one-pan wonder means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your tasty creation.
- Weeknight Dinner Hero: Short on time but big on flavor cravings? This recipe comes to the rescue! It's ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.
- Easy on the Wallet: No need for fancy ingredients here. This recipe uses pantry staples and ground beef, making it a budget-friendly option.
Ingredients - Here's What You'll Need
- Ground Beef: Provides a satisfying protein element that makes this one-pot pasta a complete meal. For a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or cubed chicken breasts.
- Medium Shells Dry Pasta: The ideal choice for this one-pot wonder. Their cupped shape perfectly cradles the flavorful taco sauce and ground beef, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.
- Taco Sauce: The magic ingredient that transforms this ordinary pasta dish into a fiesta of flavor! It infuses the entire dish with the essence of tacos, creating a savory and Tex-Mex inspired taste sensation.
- Water: Essential for creating the steam that cooks the pasta, as well as the base for the flavorful taco sauce.
- Colby, Monterey Jack, and Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheeses: This trio of cheeses makes up the homemade fiesta blend traditional to Tex-Mex cuisine.
- Taco Seasoning: The magic dust that transforms ordinary ground beef and pasta into a fiesta of Tex-Mex flavor! This spice blend is the heart and soul of this dish, infusing it with the essence of tacos.
Steps to Make Quick and Easy One Pot Taco Pasta
- Place a large, deep skillet over medium heat and add the canola oil. Add the ground beef, break the meat apart, and cook until browned. Drain the browned beef in a colander set in the sink and wipe the pan out with paper towels. Return the drained beef to the pan, and return the pan to the stovetop.
- Add the taco seasoning to the browned beef and stir to incorporate the seasoning into the meat.
- Add the water and the taco sauce and stir so everything is well combined.
- Add the dry pasta and stir so that all of the pasta has gotten wet and is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Allow to cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Remove from the heat. Combine the Colby, Monterey Jack, and Extra Sharp Cheddar cheeses. Add 3 ounces of the combined cheeses and stir until the cheese has melted.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese, and then put the lid back on the pan to allow the cheese to melt.
In under 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying and budget-friendly meal on the table that the whole family will love. Plus, with its minimal cleanup requirement, this one-pot wonder means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your tasty creation.
This recipe is a flavor fiesta waiting to happen. It combines the irresistible taste of tacos with the comforting ease of pasta. It's endlessly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level, cheese selection, and toppings to suit your preferences. So ditch the takeout menus and embrace the ease and satisfaction of creating a flavorful taco fiesta in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While medium shells are recommended for their ideal shape, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni would work well in this dish. Just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on your pasta shape.
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian! Simply swap the ground beef for lentils, crumbled tempeh, or your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative. You may also want to add a can of black beans or kidney beans for extra protein and heartiness.
Absolutely! There are a few ways to spice up this dish: Use a spicier taco seasoning blend, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, or some diced jalapeños. You can also serve the dish with a variety of hot sauce options on the table, allowing everyone to customize their spice level.
Leftover taco pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Brown it Right: Don't overcrowd the pan when browning your ground beef. This can lead to the meat steaming instead of searing, resulting in a less flavorful dish. Cook the beef in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Flavor Boost: Want to add extra depth of flavor to your ground beef? Saute some chopped onions and garlic in the pan before adding the beef. This will infuse the meat with delicious savory notes.
- Add a Dollop of Cream Cheese: For a richer and creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of softened cream cheese after the pasta is cooked and the heat is turned off. Let it melt into the sauce for a decadent touch.
- Garnish with Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream adds a refreshing touch to your finished dish.
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Quick and Easy One Pan Taco Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon Canola Oil
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 2 tbs Taco Seasoning
- 2 c Water
- 1 c Taco Sauce
- 8 oz Medium Shells Dry Pasta
- 2 oz Colby Cheese shredded
- 2 oz Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
- 2 oz Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 tbs Fresh Cilantro minced (optional)
Instructions
- Place a large deep skillet over medium heat and add the canola oil. Add the ground beef, break the meat apart, and cook until browned. Drain the browned beef in a colander set in the sink and wipe the pan out with paper towels. Return the drained beef to the pan, then return the pan to the stovetop.
- Add the taco seasoning to the browned beef and stir to incorporate the seasoning into the meat. Add the water and the taco sauce, then stir so that everything is well combined.
- Add the dry pasta and stir so that all of the pasta has gotten wet and is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Allow to cook for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. Remove from the heat.
- In a small bowl, combine the Colby, Monterey Jack, and extra sharp cheddar cheeses.
- Add 3 ounces of the combined cheeses to the skillet and stir until the cheese has melted. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and place the lid back on the pan to allow the cheese to melt.
- Top with freshly minced cilantro and serve.
- Yield 4 to 6 servings
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