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Easy One-Pan Ground Beef Taco Pasta

one-pan ground beef taco pasta - featured image
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A quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining ground beef, taco seasoning, and pasta, ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers a creamy, zesty twist on classic pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 8 ounces medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly.
  6. Add dry pasta, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  8. Check pasta for doneness; add a splash of broth or water if needed.
  9. Remove lid and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  10. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  11. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños.

Notes

Do not rush the simmering step to ensure tender pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add cheese off the heat to avoid clumping. For dairy-free, swap cheddar with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan, ground beef, taco pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, taco seasoning, creamy pasta

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/easy-one-pan-ground-beef-taco-pasta-recipe-ready-in-25-minutes/