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Easy Taco Pasta: A Quick & Cheesy One-Pan Dinner Recipe

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4.1 from 62 reviews

Easy Taco Pasta is a flavorful one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This healthy, cheesy dish combines seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and tender pasta all cooked together in a rich taco-flavored broth, finished with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (2 cups each)

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ButcherBox Ground Beef
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped finely
  • 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
  • 2 cups red bell pepper, diced

Seasoning and Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons low sodium taco seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 cups water

Pasta and Cheese

  • 3 cups medium shell pasta (about 10 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Pan: Spray a large pan or pot with olive oil spray and heat over medium-high heat for 3 minutes to prepare for cooking.
  2. Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Add ground beef, onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the hot pan. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and the vegetables are softened.
  3. Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the dry pasta, taco seasoning, tomato paste, beef broth, and water. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  4. Bring to a Boil: Cover the pan with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil. This should take about 5 minutes.
  5. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Once boiling, remove the lid and reduce the heat to medium. Stir the pasta every few minutes for 10-12 minutes, cooking until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.
  6. Finish with Cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and combined throughout the pasta.

Notes

  • Use low sodium taco seasoning to control the salt content.
  • Stirring occasionally during pasta cooking prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American