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To make One Pot Taco Pasta, gather these must-have items: - 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 3 cups chicken broth - 12 oz penne pasta or fusilli - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste You can switch things up with these fun options: - Use ground chicken or tofu instead of turkey or beef. - Add jalapeños for extra heat. - Include zucchini or spinach for more veggies. - Swap cheddar for a different cheese like pepper jack or mozzarella. - Use different beans, like pinto or kidney beans. When picking your ingredients, I suggest: - Ground Meat: Look for brands like Perdue for turkey or grass-fed beef from local farms. - Taco Seasoning: McCormick offers a great blend with rich flavors. - Canned Tomatoes: Hunt's diced tomatoes are ripe and tasty. - Cheese: Tillamook's cheddar melts perfectly and adds great flavor. - Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil from California gives the best taste. With these ingredients, you will create a tasty and quick meal that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier. Here’s what you need: - 1 pound ground turkey or beef - 1 onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 3 cups chicken broth - 12 oz penne pasta or fusilli - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste Next, chop your onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. These steps help build flavor. Now, let’s cook! Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, until they soften. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute until you smell that great garlic aroma. Now it's time to add the meat. Put in your ground turkey or beef. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, until it turns brown. Sprinkle in your taco seasoning. Mix it well with the meat and veggies. Next, pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and uncooked pasta. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Once the pasta is tender, take it off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and gets creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, serve hot and garnish with fresh cilantro for color and flavor. To make sure your pasta turns out great, follow these tips: - Use enough liquid. The pasta needs it to cook well. - Stir often during simmering. This helps prevent sticking. - Check for doneness. Pasta should be tender but not mushy. These simple steps will help you make the best One Pot Taco Pasta every time! Cooking in one pot saves time and energy. Start by prepping all your ingredients first. This way, you can add them in the right order. Use a large pot to give everything room to cook. Heat the olive oil well before adding your onion and pepper. This helps them soften quickly. Stir often to keep food from sticking to the bottom. If you see any bits stuck, give it a good scrape with your spatula. This adds extra flavor to your dish. Ensure you cover the pot after adding liquids. It traps heat and cooks the pasta evenly. To adjust the seasoning, taste as you cook. Start with the taco seasoning and add more if needed. If you want it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños. For a milder taste, reduce the seasoning or skip it. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a splash of lime juice. These add flavor without heat. Remember, every ingredient has its own flavor. Black beans and corn add sweetness, while tomatoes add acidity. Balancing these flavors is key to a tasty dish. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Follow the cooking time closely. Stir often to prevent it from sticking. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste as you go to find the right balance. Don’t forget to use enough liquid. If it looks dry, add a little more broth or water. Finally, avoid adding cheese too early. Stir it in after cooking for a creamy texture. These tips will help you make a perfect one pot taco pasta that everyone will love. Pro Tips Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap out ground turkey or beef for ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian version. Boost the Flavor: Adding a splash of lime juice or a few chopped jalapeños can enhance the flavor profile and add a delightful kick to the dish. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for a milder flavor, to suit your taste preferences. One-Pot Cooking Tip: To prevent pasta from sticking, stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers, and ensure there's enough liquid for the pasta to absorb. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Instead of meat, use mushrooms or lentils. Both options add great texture and flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan base. You can also add more beans, like kidney beans or chickpeas, for extra protein. Swap out the cheese for a vegan alternative or skip it entirely for a lighter meal. If you want to cater to different diets, swap out a few ingredients. For gluten-free pasta, use rice or quinoa pasta. Instead of corn, use diced zucchini or chopped spinach for a veggie boost. If you're watching your sodium, choose low-sodium broth and canned tomatoes. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley instead of cilantro if you prefer a different flavor. Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Add some diced jalapeños for spice or mix in chopped olives for a briny kick. You can change the taco seasoning to other spices, like cumin or smoked paprika, for a different taste. Try topping with crushed tortilla chips for crunch or serve with avocado slices for creaminess. The options are endless, so experiment and find your favorite twist! To store your One Pot Taco Pasta, allow it to cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Use a container that fits the amount you have left. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date. You can freeze One Pot Taco Pasta too. First, cool it down completely. Then, divide it into portions. Place each portion in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, use a pot or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat it slowly over low to medium heat, stirring often. If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. Enjoy your delicious One Pot Taco Pasta just like the first time! Yes, you can make One Pot Taco Pasta ahead of time. Just cook the dish as usual and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm. The flavors will blend even more over time, making it taste great. You can serve One Pot Taco Pasta with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. You can also pair it with tortilla chips for a crunchy bite. If you like, add some guacamole or sour cream on the side for extra flavor. A cold drink, like lemonade or iced tea, fits well with this meal too. To make One Pot Taco Pasta less spicy, you can reduce the taco seasoning. Use only half of what the recipe calls for. You can also choose a mild taco seasoning mix. Adding more cheese will help cool the heat too. Throw in a dollop of sour cream or yogurt when serving. These options help balance the spice and keep the dish tasty. One Pot Taco Pasta is simple and fun to make. We explored the key ingredients, cooking steps, and various tips to enhance your dish. You can customize it to fit your tastes, whether you prefer it vegetarian or spicy. Remember to store leftovers correctly and reheat them gently to enjoy every bite later. With these insights, you'll whip up a tasty meal that pleases everyone at the table. Dive in and get cooking!

Fiesta One Pot Taco Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot meal combining taco flavors with pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1 whole onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 12 oz penne pasta or fusilli
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey or beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and mix well to combine with the meat and vegetables.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and uncooked pasta. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, simmering for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Once cooked, remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Keyword easy meal, one pot, pasta, taco