Our father often surprises us with his bold combination of flavors in his dishes. Once, he unexpectedly mixed Grape-Nuts in a meatloaf which turned out to be a memorable meal for our family, if not for the right reasons. His creative flair has inspired us in many ways.
One of his signature dishes that left a positive impression on us was a blend of cooked pasta and chili—a classic comfort meal. True to his passion for simplicity, he loved the fact that every component could be devoured in one bowl. Using that notion, we developed a recipe for one-pot taco pasta.
We took elements from our dad’s pasta chili creation and transformed it into a cohesive dish that bursts with bold and tangy taco flavors. Alongside the robust seasonings, we added hearty ground beef and simmering pasta. With several kitchen staples and pantry items, you can prepare this fulfilling one-pot meal in just over 30 minutes.
Everyone loves a one-pot meal, and our one-pot taco pasta is no exception. The dried pasta is cooked directly in the pot, soaking up all the intense flavors, making a satisfying meal with super easy cleanup.
Be mindful not to overcook the meat—aim to brown it while still having a hint of pink as it will continue to cook in the pasta. Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to ensure all noodles are submerged in the flavoursome broth. Don’t shy away from adjusting the seasoning and spice to your preference or adding more hot sauce if you’re a fan of spicy food. A little patience after cooking the pasta and letting it sit a few minutes will reward you with thicker, more flavorful results.
Feel free to experiment with the recipe depending on what you have available. You can use different shaped pasta or even add 1 cup of frozen or drained canned corn or 1 1/2 cups drained black beans alongside the tomatoes. You’re also free to stir in a 5-ounce bag of fresh baby spinach during the final minute of cooking for some added greens.
Cheese lovers can try other types like pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend. For those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, use plant-based ground beef, vegetable broth, and vegan cheese shreds.
Serve your one-pot taco pasta with toppings of your choice, such as scallions, sour cream, jalapeños, red onion, lime, extra shredded cheese, or a chipotle-flavored hot sauce. Also, this dish makes excellent leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and reheat on medium-low heat with a little extra broth, covering the pot and stirring occasionally as it reheats. Enjoy your meal!
