Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan taco pasta recipe that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and rotini pasta cooked together in a savory taco-spiced broth, finished with melted Mexican blend cheese and optional fresh toppings for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 ounces rotini spiral pasta
- 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Black olives
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish lean.
- Cook Garlic and Combine Ingredients: Return the skillet to medium heat with the browned beef. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the garlic’s aroma. Then add 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 cup of salsa, drained corn, undrained black beans, and 2 cups of beef broth. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Simmer with Pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and stir well. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle 1 cup of Mexican blend shredded cheese evenly over the top. Replace the lid, turn off the heat, and let the pasta rest for about five minutes. This allows the cheese to melt perfectly into the dish.
- Add Optional Toppings and Serve: Serve the taco pasta with your choice of optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, extra salsa, sliced avocado, or black olives to enhance the dish with fresh flavors and textures.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and keep the dish healthier.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
- Customize toppings to your preference for extra creaminess or freshness.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
