– **Title**: One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2-3 tbsp)
– 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta of choice)
– 4 cups chicken or beef broth
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
– 1-2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, avocado, lime wedges
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and ground beef (or turkey) to the pot. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the meat is well coated. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
4. Add the elbow macaroni, chicken or beef broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and corn to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through, stirring occasionally.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Add sour cream and mix until well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, avocado, and lime wedges.
Enjoy your delicious One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey if you’re looking for a leaner option. I often go for turkey since it absorbs flavors well and is healthier.
Taco Seasoning: Store-bought seasoning is quick and easy, but you can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. This way, you tailor it to your taste.
Pasta Shells: While pasta shells are great for this recipe, you can swap them for penne or fusilli if that’s what you have. These shapes also hold sauce nicely.
Corn: Fresh corn off the cob is delicious, but frozen or canned corn work perfectly fine. I usually prefer frozen for the sweeter crunch.
Cheeses: Feel free to mix it up with your favorite cheeses! Pepper Jack adds a nice kick, and if you’re avoiding dairy, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Doesn’t Stick?
Keeping pasta from sticking is important for a creamy dish. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Stir the pasta often while it cooks to keep it moving and prevent sticking.
- Make sure there’s enough liquid in the pot. If it looks dry, add a little more broth.
- Cook it on low heat, especially once it starts boiling. A gentle simmer keeps things from clumping together.
What’s the Best Way to Incorporate Cheese for Creaminess?
To get that perfect creamy texture with cheese:
- Add cheeses gradually once the pasta is finished cooking. This allows them to melt evenly.
- Mix the sour cream in after the cheese. This adds creaminess and makes the dish rich without clumping.
These tips will help you get the best results for your cheesy taco pasta! Enjoy!
How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 8 oz pasta shells (medium or large)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup guacamole (for topping)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s all made in one pot!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Meat and Veggies:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the ground beef (or turkey) and cook over medium heat until it begins to brown. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it’s fragrant.
2. Add Seasoning:
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture and stir well to combine. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to really bring out those delicious flavors.
3. Combine Main Ingredients:
Next, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), the broth, and the pasta shells to the pot. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is covered in the liquid.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Bring your mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.
5. Add Beans, Corn, and Cheese:
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the black beans, corn, and both types of cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese melts beautifully and everything is well combined.
6. Finish with Sour Cream:
Take your pot off the heat and gently fold in the sour cream until it’s creamy and smooth. Don’t forget to taste and season with a little salt and pepper if needed!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your cheesy taco pasta hot, topped with dollops of guacamole, a bit more sour cream, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Enjoy every mouthful of this comforting, one-pot meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will provide a lighter flavor, and you may want to adjust the seasoning slightly to enhance the taste. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
What if I Don’t Have Taco Seasoning?
No worries! You can make your own taco seasoning by combining 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mix will give you a similar flavor profile but feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences!
Can I Make This Pasta Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to step 6, then let it cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it looks too thick.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove or microwave until heated through.
