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taco pasta (one pot!)

taco pasta (one pot!) delivers cheesy Mexican flavor in a budget dinner


  • Author: Jake Lylia
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-vegetarian

Description

taco pasta (one pot!) combines the comfort of cheesy pasta with bold taco seasoning, ground smoked beef, diced tomatoes and beef broth for a quick, budget‑friendly dinner. In just 25 minutes the pasta shells absorb the seasoned broth, melt into a creamy cheese sauce, and deliver a hearty Mexican‑inspired meal that the whole family loves. Perfect for weeknight meals, this one‑pot recipe minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor. Serve with a crisp salad or warm corn tortillas for extra texture wow.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz pasta shells
  • 1 lb ground smoked beef
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (15 oz)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground smoked beef in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
  3. Add the pasta shells, ensure they are submerged, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover.
  4. Cook for 12‑15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Remove from heat, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and stir until melted and the sauce is silky. Serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-pot
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 servings
  • Calories: 550

Keywords: taco pasta (one pot!), easy taco pasta, one pot Mexican dinner, quick beef pasta, budget-friendly dinner, cheesy taco pasta, weeknight Mexican recipe