Name: One-Pot Taco Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef or turkey, room temperature; 12 oz (340 g) dried penne or ziti, no-cook; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium beef or vegetable broth; 1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp taco seasoning; 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or sour cream; 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 cup (110 g) shredded Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges; Optional: sliced avocado, pickled jalapeño, crisp tortilla strips

Description

A refined yet comforting one-pot dish that combines bold, bright flavors with silky pasta, featuring toasted spices, tomato richness, and a touch of cream.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef or turkey, room temperature
12 oz (340 g) dried penne or ziti, no-cook
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp taco seasoning
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or sour cream
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup (110 g) shredded Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges
Optional: sliced avocado, pickled jalapeño, crisp tortilla strips

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Instructions

Warm a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
Brown the ground meat until caramelized, pressing to break into pieces.
Push meat to the side and add onion; cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and taco seasoning; toast briefly until aromatic.
Stir in tomato paste and deglaze with a splash of broth, scraping up browned bits.
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, remaining broth, and dried pasta; stir to combine.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until pasta is al dente, 10–12 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and half the cheese; season to taste.
Remove from heat and fold in remaining cheese for a glossy finish. Let rest for 2 minutes.
Serve in bowls, garnished with cilantro, lime, and additional toppings as desired.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, swap meat for sautéed mushrooms and black beans. Optionally finish with smoky chipotle for added depth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 500
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg