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Easy One-Pot Ground Beef Taco Pasta Recipe with Enchilada Sauce for Perfect Weeknight Dinners

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A quick and comforting one-pot meal combining ground beef, taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and pasta for a flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner if preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (about 5 minutes). Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until fully browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a little for flavor.
  4. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and stir to coat the beef evenly.
  5. Add the elbow macaroni, diced tomatoes with their juices, enchilada sauce, and beef broth. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Check pasta for doneness; if still firm, add a splash more broth or water and cook a few minutes longer until sauce is thick but saucy.
  8. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve hot with optional toppings such as cilantro, jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado slices.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much during simmering, add more broth or water to loosen. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking and burning. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner protein. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Fresh diced tomatoes can replace canned in summer. Adjust spice level by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning and enchilada sauce or adding jalapeños.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, ground beef, taco pasta, enchilada sauce, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, quick meal, comfort food

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