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one pot taco pasta

This simple One Pot Taco Pasta is the perfect family-friendly dinner. Its super quick, easy, cheesy and comforting all at once. Seasoned with taco spices, the ground beef gets tossed with green chilies, crushed tomatoes and beef broth to form a sauce that cooks the pasta shells all in the same pot then tossed together with plenty of shredded cheddar cheese and finished with fresh herbs.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Weeknight Dinners
Servings: 4 -6
Author: the communal feast

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2-2 lb ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 TBS smoked paprika
  • 1 TBS garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 4 oz can diced green chilies
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 400 ml can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 tsp cornstarch + 2 TBS cold water
  • 3 cups medium pasta shells
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded orange cheddar cheese
  • 1 TBS butter
  • garnish: cilantro green scallions

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef breaking into smaller bits as it cooks. Add the diced onions once a bit of the beef is browned and theres liquid in the pan. Continue to cook stirring and breaking apart the beef until mostly cooked through. Season with the spices and stir in the green chilies with minced garlic. Allow to cook an additional minute.
  • Add the liquids to the beef mixture by pouring overtop the crushed tomatoes, beef broth and cornstarch mixed with water. Bring to a gentle boil. Once the mixture is bubbling, stir in the un cooked pasta shells stirring to incorporate and submerge within the liquid. Reduce the heat and stir occasionally to avoid the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
  • Once the pasta is cooked through, mix in the cheese stirring to fully coat and add the butter.
  • Divide into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and green scallions. Enjoy!