Craving a quick and delicious dinner? Try this One Pot Taco Pasta recipe that’s bursting with flavor and super easy to make! With just penne pasta, ground beef or turkey, and classic taco seasonings, you can create a satisfying meal in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a family favorite. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight!
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
3 cups beef or chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
![- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 3 cups beef or chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper I love using penne pasta for this dish. Its shape helps hold the sauce well. Ground beef or turkey adds a nice, hearty flavor. Onions and garlic give a great base aroma. Taco seasoning brings the fun. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a zesty kick. Black beans add fiber and protein. Corn gives sweetness and color. Broth helps cook the pasta perfectly. Cheese adds creaminess at the end. Olive oil keeps everything from sticking. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. - Fresh cilantro - Sliced jalapeños - Sour cream or guacamole Garnishes make your dish pop. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor. Sliced jalapeños offer heat if you like spice. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole makes it creamy and rich. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. First, heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, toss in 1 small diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir it for about a minute until you smell that great aroma. Now, add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey. Use a spoon to break it apart. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s brown and cooked through. If there is too much fat, drain it carefully. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well to mix the spices with the meat. Then, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, one can of black beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 cup of corn. Finally, add 3 cups of beef or chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, stir in 12 ounces of penne pasta. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is soft and the liquid thickens. Make sure to stir it now and then so it does not stick. After that, take the pot off the heat. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover it again for 2-3 minutes so the cheese melts. Fluff the pasta with a fork and mix the cheese in well. Let it cool for a minute before serving. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To keep your pasta from sticking, stir it often while it cooks. This simple step helps to keep the pasta separate. Use a large pot and enough liquid to let the pasta move freely. If you find it still sticks, add a bit more broth. Adjusting the seasoning is key for a tasty dish. Start with the taco seasoning and taste as you go. Add salt or pepper to enhance the flavor. You can even add more taco seasoning if you like a stronger taste. Always trust your taste buds! Serve your One Pot Taco Pasta in deep bowls for a warm, inviting look. Top each serving with fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Sliced jalapeños add heat and a fun touch. For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole. This brings a nice balance to the dish. You can even sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top for crunch. These small details make your meal look and taste gourmet! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish easily. Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey for a lighter meal. Turkey has less fat but still offers great taste. For a plant-based option, try using lentils or crumbled tofu. These choices are healthy and add new textures. You can also play with the beans. While black beans are a favorite, kidney beans or pinto beans work well too. Each type brings its unique flavor and texture. This flexibility keeps the meal exciting and fun. To enhance the taste, consider adding diced peppers or corn. Bell peppers add crunch and color. Corn brings a sweet burst that balances the spices. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn based on what you have. Experimenting with different taco seasonings can also change the game. You might try a spicy blend or even a smoky chipotle flavor. Each seasoning mix brings its unique twist, so feel free to get creative. This is your dish, so make it your own! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your cooking adventure! To store leftovers of One Pot Taco Pasta, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air and moisture. This helps the pasta stay fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. The best containers for storage are glass or BPA-free plastic. Glass containers do not stain and are easy to clean. They also let you see the food. If you use plastic, choose ones that are safe for food and can handle heat. If you want to freeze One Pot Taco Pasta, divide it into smaller portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the pasta for up to three months. When reheating from frozen, take it out of the freezer and place it in the fridge overnight. This helps it thaw slowly. You can also reheat it directly from frozen. Put it in a pot over low heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir often until it’s warm and the cheese melts again. Enjoy your meal! Can I use whole wheat pasta? Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta. It adds fiber and nutrients. Whole wheat pasta will have a nuttier flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly. Check the package for exact times. Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe is not gluten-free as it contains regular penne pasta. However, you can easily swap in gluten-free pasta. Look for brands made from rice or corn. They work great in this dish. How long does it take to cook the pasta? Cooking the pasta takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Make sure to stir it every few minutes. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make One Pot Taco Pasta in advance. Cook it, then let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it on the stove or microwave before serving. Estimated calories per serving One serving of this dish has about 500 calories. This number can change based on your meat choice and cheese used. Suggestions for healthier modifications To make it healthier, use lean ground turkey or chicken. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Swap regular cheese for a lower-fat option, too. Enjoy your meal while keeping it light! In this blog post, we explored a tasty One Pot Taco Pasta recipe. We covered the main ingredients and optional garnishes. I shared clear steps from preparing the base to cooking the pasta. Tips on cooking, presenting, and variations offered more options. Lastly, I provided storage advice and answered your common questions. Making this dish can be quick and fun. Enjoy customizing it to fit your taste!](https://itssoupy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a523fb7a-8469-4a2f-9997-da6e0afef3c5-250x250.webp)