Description
This one-pot wonder fuses hearty pasta with the zesty flavors of Tex‑Mex. Savory ground beef (or turkey) is cooked with bold taco seasonings, then combined with pasta, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn for a satisfying, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Meat Base:
- 1 lb Ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 packet Taco seasoning (Or homemade mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, garlic powder)
- To taste: Salt & pepper For seasoning
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups Uncooked pasta (Penne ziti, or elbow macaroni work well)
- 1 14.5 oz can (Diced tomatoes (with juices))
- 1 can Black beans (Rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup Corn kernels (Fresh frozen, or canned (drained))
- 3 cups Water or chicken broth (Low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (Divided; plus extra for serving if desired)
- Optional - Salsa (1/2 cup for added moisture and flavor)
For Garnish:
- A handful: Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Optional: Sour cream (For a dollop on top)
Instructions
Brown the Meat:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Stir in the taco seasoning (and optional salsa) and cook for an additional minute.
Add Pasta and Veggies:
- Stir in the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes (with juices), black beans, and corn.
- Pour in the water or chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Garnish and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Spoon the taco pasta into serving bowls, garnish with additional cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, and add a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the bold Tex‑Mex comfort in every bite!
Notes
For extra kick, add chopped jalapeños when sautéing the onions.
Use day‑old pasta for an even heartier texture, or freshly cooked pasta if preferred.
This dish can be easily customized with additional veggies such as bell peppers or zucchini.
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Enjoy your Taco Pasta One-Pot Comfort—a delicious, Tex‑Mex inspired meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for bold, comforting flavors!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Comfort Food, One‑Pot Meals, Tex‑Mex
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
