One Pan Taco Beef and Pasta
Taco-seasoned beef and tender pasta in a sublime, enchilada-style sauce. Topped with lots of stretchy Mexican cheese and on the table in about 30 minutes. Plus, the pasta cooks in the sauce, so it’s insanely flavorful.
The ultimate one pot meal! I adore cooking pasta in the same pot as my sauces, including this dish with beef, enchilada sauce, and taco seasoning. Instead of absorbing water, the pasta absorbs all the flavor from the sauce. No, it doesn’t get mushy!
What kind of pasta should you use? Use small-shaped pasta for this dish, including orzo or ditalini. You can also use small or medium shells, just note that you may need to add more water or broth and increase the cooking time.
Can you use poultry instead of beef? Absolutely. If you’re a poultry fan, use ground chicken or ground turkey instead of beef.
What should you serve with your one pan taco beef and pasta? I like serving this dish with a crisp green salad or steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, green beans, asparagus). Since the pasta and beef are cooked together, the meal is almost complete – just add your favorite vegetable.
One Pan Taco Beef and Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet, or 3 tablespoons taco seasoning of choice
- 10- ounce can enchilada sauce, mild, medium, or hot
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth, or water, plus more if needed
- 1 cup orzo pasta, or ditalini pasta, or small pasta of choice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Brown the beef in a large, high-sided skillet or stock pot over medium-high heat. If necessary, drain away any fat.
- Add the onion and garlic to the pan and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the onion is soft. Add the taco seasoning and stir to combine.
- Add the enchilada sauce and beef broth (or water) and bring to a low boil, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the pasta and cook (gently boiling) according to the package directions, until al dente, stirring frequently and adding more broth or water if necessary (you want a thick sauce). Note that the pasta may take longer to cook than the package directions.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Top with Mexican cheese and serve.