25 Minute One Pot Taco Pasta
This amazing One Pot Taco Casserole Pasta is ready in under half an hour and results in a bold and delicious meal any night of the week!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 16 ounces salsa
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (I used chickpea pasta)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large, deep skillet brown the ground meat over medium-high heat until fully cooked. If there is a lot of fat, drain it off. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute.1 pound ground beef, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- Pour in the entire jar of salsa and the dry pasta. Add just enough water (usually 1.5 to 2 cups) so the pasta is almost completely submerged. Mix well.16 ounces salsa, 8 ounces rotini pasta
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 8–10 minutes (check your pasta package for "al dente" timing).
- Remove the lid. Mix well. (There will likely still be some liquid that hasn't been absorbed. This will thicken up a bit as it stands.)
- Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the cheese over the top and replace the lid for 1 minute until the cheese melts.1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Notes
Prep Tips:
- Use a deep skillet or pot so there’s enough room for the pasta to cook evenly.
- Let the pasta sit for a few minutes after cooking so the sauce can thicken up.
Variation Suggestions:
- You can use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of the ground beef.
- Stir in black beans for extra protein and fiber, or corn for extra flavor.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños if you want a little heat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with sour cream, diced avocado, or chopped cilantro.
- Serve with tortilla chips or a simple green salad on the side.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to brighten the flavors.
Storage Info for Leftovers:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Stir well after reheating to redistribute the sauce and cheese.
Nutrition
Calories: 560kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 1108mg | Potassium: 805mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 945IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 257mg | Iron: 4mg
