One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food with effortless cleanup, this One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine hearty pasta simmered in a fiesta of flavors — savory beef, zesty tomatoes, black beans, corn and a blanket of gooey cheesy goodness, all tied together in a single, magical pot. This dish brings together the spirit of taco night and the coziness of pasta in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings or whenever you crave something vibrant, satisfying and joyfully easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe is how each ingredient plays a crucial role, balancing flavor, color and comfort in every bite. Don’t let the simple list fool you; every item works hard behind the scenes to create a meal that’s both wow-worthy and wonderfully unfussy.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps brown the meat and onions for a flavor-packed base.
- Ground Beef or Turkey: Use whichever you prefer for a hearty, protein-packed anchor; either way brings deliciousness.
- Yellow Onion: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the meat.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves offer an aromatic punch that makes the kitchen smell incredible.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: This canned favorite infuses the dish with juicy acidity and a subtle kick—no draining required!
- Black Beans: Rinsed and drained, they give creaminess and keep you satisfied longer.
- Frozen Corn: A pop of color and sweetness that’s as easy as grabbing it straight from the freezer.
- Taco Seasoning: Your shortcut to complex, south-of-the-border flavor in every spoonful.
- Ground Cumin: Boosts that earthy Mexican warmth and takes the savoriness up a notch.
- Uncooked Pasta (Penne or Rotini): Let it soak up all those delicious flavors as it cooks with everything else.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Acts as both the liquid for cooking the pasta and the source of extra savory notes.
- Shredded Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts into creamy, cheesy ribbons that pull the whole dish together.
- Sour Cream: Adds luscious creaminess at the end, making every bite rich but never heavy.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste once everything comes together for that chef’s kiss finish.
- Chopped Cilantro and Lime Wedges: The ultimate fresh, bright, and zingy garnishes for serving.
How to Make One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Meat and Onions
Drizzle the olive oil into a large deep skillet or trusty pot and set over medium heat. Add your ground beef or turkey and sprinkle in the diced onions. Let these sizzle, stir, and break up the meat as you go. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions have softened — about 6 to 7 minutes. This is the flavor foundation for your One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Build Flavor
Toss in the minced garlic and let it mingle with the meat and onions for about a minute. You’ll instantly smell that mouthwatering aroma that tells you something magical is underway. This short step deepens the flavor just before things really get going.
Step 3: Pour in the Rest (Tomatoes, Beans, Corn, Seasonings, Pasta, Broth)
For the heart of the One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe, add the diced tomatoes with green chiles (juices and all), black beans, frozen corn, taco seasoning, cumin, uncooked pasta and broth right into the pot. Stir everything together so those flavors get cozy with each other, and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the broth.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Crank up the heat and bring the whole glorious mixture to a boil. As soon as it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, slap on a lid, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally — this keeps the pasta from sticking and helps everything cook evenly. You’re looking for tender pasta and most of the liquid to be absorbed, transforming into a saucy, cohesive dish.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
When the pasta is cooked just right, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese and dollops of sour cream. The cheese will melt into strings of creamy bliss while the sour cream smooths out the whole mix. Taste and season with salt and pepper until it’s singing with the flavors you love.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Spoon up generous bowls and top with a shower of chopped cilantro. Squeeze over fresh lime wedges for that bright, tangy pop. Each bowl is a celebration of flavor, color, and weeknight ease thanks to the One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe!
How to Serve One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes—they truly elevate the whole dish! A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal green, while lime wedges on the side let everyone add just the right zing. If you’re feeling fancy, extra cheese, diced avocado or finely chopped jalapeños never go amiss atop your One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe.
Side Dishes
While this pasta stands alone with gusto, pairing it with a side adds extra flair to your table. Light, crisp sides like a simple green salad, tangy slaw, or warm tortilla chips with guacamole make for a complete and festive meal. You could even spoon this pasta over a baked sweet potato for a fun twist!
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, spoon the One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe into a colorful casserole dish and let everyone help themselves—family style! For a dinner party, try serving in individual bowls topped with tiny flags or a drizzle of hot sauce for a playful touch. Leftovers also make filling for stuffed bell peppers or even as a nacho topping for game night—talk about versatility!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe are an absolute dream! Cool any extras quickly, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors get even more robust as they rest, so your lunches will be especially tasty.
Freezing
If you want to save a batch for a rainy day, freeze portions in sealed containers for up to two months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, as this keeps the pasta from turning too soft or mushy.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave (loosely covered) for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. On the stove, add a splash of broth or water and warm gently over medium, stirring often. Finish with a sprinkle of cheese or fresh cilantro to revive those bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I make the One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef or turkey for plant-based crumbles or add extra beans and veggies. Use vegetable broth and you’ll have a totally satisfying, colorful vegetarian dinner.
What pasta shapes work best in this recipe?
Penne and rotini are favorites because they soak up sauce beautifully without becoming mushy. Feel free to experiment with shells or elbows for a different texture—just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Is this dish spicy?
The heat level is gentle, thanks to the green chiles in the tomatoes and the taco seasoning. If you prefer more kick, toss in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce, or mellow it out with mild seasoning.
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Definitely! Fresh corn kernels work beautifully and add a bit more crunch and sweetness. Just slice them off the cob and toss in along with the other ingredients.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking to the pot?
The key is to stir the mixture every few minutes while it simmers. This helps keep the pasta moving and ensures even cooking. Make sure there’s enough liquid for the pasta to absorb as it cooks.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying or cheerful as a big pot of homemade goodness shared around the table, and this One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe delivers every time. It’s easy, colorful, and loved by kids and adults alike—exactly the sort of meal you’ll crave again and again. Give it a try and see just how much joy a single pot can bring!
Print
One Pot Mexican Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy One Pot Mexican Pasta recipe that combines ground beef (or turkey), black beans, corn, and pasta in a savory taco-seasoned sauce. This hearty and cheesy dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the One Pot Mexican Pasta:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the One Pot Mexican Pasta: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot. Cook ground beef, onion until browned. Add garlic, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, cumin, uncooked pasta, and broth. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is cooked and most liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
- Finish: Remove from heat, stir in cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or meatless crumbles for a vegetarian option.
- For added heat, include jalapeños or top with diced avocado for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
