One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ground beef, taco seasoning and small pasta shells simmered in one pot, then covered in melted cheddar.
This is the weeknight dinner for when there's no time and no energy for dishes. The pasta cooks right in the seasoned beef and tomato broth, so everything happens in one pot in under 30 minutes.
The starch from the pasta thickens the sauce as it simmers, which gives you a creamy, saucy result without adding cream.
One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Per serving, estimated: 490 calories · 27 g protein · about $2.54 How we estimate
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85% lean
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning
- 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 2½ cups (600 ml) beef broth
- 8 oz (225 g) small pasta shells
- 1½ cups (170 g) shredded sharp cheddar
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced, to serve
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat. Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, tomatoes with their juice and the broth. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta. Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the sour cream.
- Sprinkle the cheddar over the top, cover for 2 minutes until melted, then top with green onions and serve.
Tips for success
- Stir often while the pasta simmers so it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.
- If the liquid is gone before the pasta is tender, add a splash of broth or water.
- For more heat, use hot diced tomatoes with chiles or add a chopped jalapeño with the onion.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water, because the pasta keeps absorbing the sauce.
Equipment you'll need
- Large deep skillet or pot with a lid
Questions
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. Add 1 tablespoon of oil when browning, since turkey is leaner.
Can I use a different pasta?
Use a small shape like elbows or rotini. Cooking times vary, so check the pasta after 10 minutes.
Calories, protein and cost are estimates calculated from the main ingredients and typical US supermarket prices. They will vary with the brands you buy, where you shop and your portion size. Measurements are given in US cups and spoons with approximate metric weights. Oven temperatures can vary, so check doneness using the signs described in each step. Always check labels if you are cooking for someone with a food allergy.
