Description
This One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner that combines the classic flavors of tacos with comforting pasta in a single skillet. Ground beef, fresh vegetables, taco seasoning, and cheese come together in a savory sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With minimal cleanup and a creamy cheesy finish, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 3 cups chicken broth (or more as needed)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 (12-oz) box small pasta shapes
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- ½ cup sweetcorn
- salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking until they soften without browning, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown beef: Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Stir in taco seasoning, then pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the salsa, small pasta shapes, chopped red pepper, sweetcorn, salt, and pepper. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let the pasta cook until tender and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Stir every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking, adding up to ½ cup more broth if needed to maintain moisture. Remove the lid for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to thicken further.
- Finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Stir in the shredded Mexican blend cheese and let the pasta sit for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth depending on pasta type and desired sauce thickness.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a spicy kick.
- For a vegetarian variation, replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based mince and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
