Description
A simple, forgiving weeknight meal that cooks entirely in one pot. This easy beginner dinner combines ground beef, rotini pasta, salsa, and taco seasoning for a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 8 oz (225g) rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup (240g) chunky salsa
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) taco seasoning
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1.5 cups (170g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Optional: 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/4 cup diced black beans, 1/4 cup diced green onions
Instructions
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into small crumbles. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes.
- Pour the taco seasoning over the meat and stir to coat. If using onions or garlic, add them now and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the salsa and chicken broth to the pot. Stir to combine. Ensure the liquid covers the pasta by about an inch.
- Add the dry pasta and stir to ensure it is submerged. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check at 10 minutes for al dente texture.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. If too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
- Let the pot sit covered for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve topped with remaining cheese, cilantro, or green onions.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta; it continues to cook after being removed from heat. Stir frequently at the start to prevent sticking. Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels. For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with black beans or lentils. This recipe does not freeze well due to pasta texture changes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 22
Keywords: one-pot meal, easy dinner, beginner recipe, taco pasta, weeknight dinner, quick meals, ground beef recipes, pasta recipes