One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a dish that combines the best of two worlds? Look no further than this tantalizing Taco Pasta – (One Pot!) recipe! Picture this: the zesty flavors of your beloved tacos harmonizing with the creamy richness of a pasta dish, all cooked up in just one pot for minimal cleanup. It’s a win-win situation that your taste buds and kitchen sink will thank you for!

I stumbled upon this recipe during a phase when my kids couldn’t decide between tacos and pasta for dinner. As a loving compromise, I crafted this one-pot wonder that instantly became a household favorite. The secret to its irresistibly smooth and velvety sauce lies in the trifecta of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a surprising addition of Velveeta cheese. Trust me, that processed cheese works wonders here, creating a sauce that stays dreamy and never disappoints.

But wait, there’s more! This Taco Pasta isn’t just a flash in the pan—it actually gets better with time. Pop any leftovers in the fridge, and you’ll find that the flavors mingle and intensify, making it even more delectable the next day. And for those who love to play with their food, set up a topping bar with fresh garnishes like avocado, cilantro, and sour cream to let everyone customize their bowl. This dish isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience—a delicious, comforting, and customizable one at that. So, grab your pot and let’s get cooking!

Quick Benefits

• Family-Friendly Meal: Combines the flavors of tacos with creamy pasta for a dish that pleases both kids and adults.
• Easy Cleanup: Being a one-pot recipe minimizes the number of dishes to wash, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights.
• Versatile and Customizable: Allows for ingredient substitutions like using ground turkey or chicken, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores well in the refrigerator and intensifies in flavor, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe Recipe

• Family-Friendly Comfort: Combines the vibrant flavors of tacos with the creamy appeal of pasta, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for the whole family.
• Minimal Cleanup: Being a one-pot recipe, it simplifies the cooking process and reduces the number of dishes to clean up afterwards.
• Silky Three-Cheese Sauce: The combination of Velveeta with traditional shredded cheeses creates a silky, smooth sauce that elevates the dish to a new level of creaminess.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Allows for substitutions like ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option and welcomes various adaptations to cater to personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Flavor Intensifies Over Time: Stores well and actually tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for easy meal prep.
• Topping Bar Customization: Offering a topping bar with fresh ingredients allows for a customizable dining experience, letting everyone tailor their bowl to their liking.
• Perfect for Entertaining: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can be served with warm flour tortillas and a side salad to create a complete dinner experience for guests.
• Easy Pasta Substitution: Allows for flexibility with pasta shapes, making it adaptable to what you have on hand without compromising on flavor or texture.
• Maintains Creaminess: Tips for reheating include adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the creaminess as the pasta continues to absorb liquid over time.

Ingredients for One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

Cheeses

• 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes (approximately 1/3 cup or substitute with 3/4 cup shredded cheese)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Proteins

• 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean

Flavorings

• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 oz packet taco seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon butter

Liquids

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

Vegetables

• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Pasta

• 1/2 lb medium pasta shells

Pro Tips for One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To achieve a silky and creamy sauce, don’t skip the Velveeta cheese in this recipe. Its unique texture helps prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy. Embrace this unconventional addition for a velvety finish that will win over skeptics and enthusiasts alike.

Pro Tip 2: For meal prep or leftovers, store the taco pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and intensify overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. To maintain creaminess when reheating, add a splash of milk or broth as the pasta continues to absorb liquid over time. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with frequent stirring.

Pro Tip 3: Customize this taco pasta to suit your preferences and ingredients on hand. Experiment with protein options like ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian twist. Spice it up by using hot Rotel tomatoes or adding fresh jalapeños. Explore different cheeses like Cotija or queso fresco for a unique flavor profile. Offer a topping bar with fresh ingredients like avocado, cilantro, and sour cream to elevate the dish and allow everyone to personalize their meal.

How to Make One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare cheeses

Grate the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses from a block and allow them to come to room temperature before adding to the sauce.

Step 2: Cook ground beef

In a high-walled pot or Dutch oven, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease.

Step 3: Cook garlic

In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add seasonings and liquids

Combine taco seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, chicken broth, whole milk, and Rotel tomatoes with green chilies. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Cook pasta

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before adding the pasta, making sure it is fully submerged. Cover and cook following the pasta package instructions, stirring halfway through with a silicone spatula to prevent settling.

Step 6: Check pasta doneness

Uncover the pot and test the pasta for doneness. If necessary, cook longer until desired texture is reached.

Step 7: Incorporate cheese

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 8: Final consistency

Allow the sauce to thicken while standing. The pasta will absorb the sauce. Serve promptly once it reaches the desired consistency.

Storage Tips

After preparing the delicious one-pot taco pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors of the dish actually intensify overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. To reheat the pasta, simply add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, as the pasta tends to absorb liquid as it sits. Warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

The taco pasta recipe is quite versatile and welcomes adaptations based on personal preferences. Consider using ground turkey or chicken as lighter alternatives to beef, or opt for plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. For those who prefer a spicier dish, you can substitute hot Rotel tomatoes for the original version or add a diced jalapeño along with the garlic. Additionally, you can enhance the Mexican flavor profile by swapping the cheddar cheese with Cotija or queso fresco for a different finishing touch.

To elevate the dining experience further, create a topping bar with fresh ingredients such as diced avocado, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and sour cream. This interactive setup allows everyone to customize their meal. Serving the taco pasta with warm flour tortillas on the side adds an extra special touch, perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce and enhancing the overall enjoyment of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a lighter option, consider substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These alternatives work well in this recipe and offer a healthier twist on the traditional dish.

If you prefer a spicier flavor, opt for hot Rotel tomatoes or add a diced jalapeño along with the garlic. This simple adjustment can elevate the heat level of the dish to suit your taste preferences.

To customize the cheese blend in the recipe, you can replace Velveeta with 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. This substitution will still provide a creamy texture to the sauce while allowing you to tailor the cheese combination to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider turning this taco pasta into a fun taco pasta bar for a gathering with friends or family. Set up a station with bowls of various toppings like diced avocado, sliced black olives, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and sour cream. Let everyone customize their taco pasta bowls with their favorite toppings, creating a personalized and interactive dining experience.

Another serving idea is to bake the taco pasta mixture in individual ramekins or a large baking dish, then top it with a layer of crushed tortilla chips and extra cheese before baking until bubbly and golden. This adds a delightful crunch to every bite and presents the dish in a visually appealing way, making it perfect for a cozy dinner party or special occasion. Serve with a side of warm flour tortillas for dipping and scooping up the cheesy goodness.

FAQs for One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of medium pasta shells?

Yes, you can substitute medium pasta shells with other short pasta like elbows, penne, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I substitute Velveeta with other cheeses for a similar creamy texture?

You can substitute Velveeta with 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a similar creamy texture.

How should I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot while cooking?

Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking and ensure it is fully submerged in the liquid to cook evenly without sticking to the pot.

Can I make this taco pasta dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time, but keep in mind the pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Taco Pasta – (One Pot!) brings as much joy and flavor to your table as it does to mine. The convenience of a one-pot meal coupled with the delicious blend of taco and pasta flavors makes it a winner for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The adaptability of this dish allows you to tailor it to your preferences, whether you choose to make it vegetarian, lighter, or spicier – the choice is yours!

Remember, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and sides to elevate this dish into a full-fledged dining experience. The interactive topping bar and fresh accompaniments truly take this meal to the next level. So gather your loved ones around, customize your bowls, and savor every bite of this comforting and satisfying Taco Pasta – (One Pot!). Enjoy the process of cooking and the pleasure of sharing this dish with those you care about. Happy cooking!