After being sick in bed for most of the week, I finally am feeling a little bit better. I haven’t had Strep Throat since I was a child and it has been no fun! However, things in my household must go on. There’s laundry to do, kiddos to feed and luckily my husband was able to help me out with those things the past few days. This weekend, he’s focused on installing our new kitchen floor, so it’s back to the routine for me. Since I am not quite feeling 100% yet, quick and easy meals are working out great in our house. This One Pot Taco Pasta is an easy, filling and yummy meal that you can make for your family on a busy evening or just when you don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
I love any foods that have a Mexican type taste. Salsa Macaroni & Cheese and Loaded Taco Bakes are some of our family’s favorite dinners, but I was looking for something a little easier (and with less dishes) to make this weekend. If you’ve got a stock pot or dutch oven, you can easily make this tasty meal for your hungry family without a lot of fuss and from simple items you may already have on hand. The best part- there is no chopping involved with this recipe!
I like to use Organic Ground Beef and this yummy Organic Salsa from Aldi in this recipe. I have noticed recently that Aldi is carrying a nice line of organic products, so if you are interested you should give them a try! You of course are welcome to use regular too.
Flavorful taco seasoned ground beef is simmered in a chunky salsa tomato sauce with black beans while cooking tender elbow macaroni for a One Pot Meal that’s sure to make it’s way onto your menu at least once a month! We love to top this pasta with some Sharp Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Watching your calories? This pasta also goes well with a fresh, crunchy salad. When you are cooking for a large family I know it’s hard to make separate meals and to deprive yourself of the food you are making for the majority of your family. I like to just serve myself a small portion of this pasta in a small bowl and then eat a large salad with it. This Taco Pasta is just so darn tasty, so I like to enjoy what my family is eating, but without the guilt. Portion Control! 😉
Whether you’re searching for last minute dinner ideas or just something new to try for your family, give this One Pot Taco Pasta a try! I think you and your family will really enjoy it!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. organic ground beef (85% or 90% lean)
- 1/4 cup homemade taco seasoning or 2 pkg. taco seasoning
- 2 (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (16 oz.) jar organic thick and chunky salsa - I use Medium
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans drained and rinsed well
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni, uncooked
Instructions
- In a stock pot or dutch oven, season your beef with the taco seasoning and brown it until no pink remains.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, salsa and water.
- Stir well and then add the rinsed black beans.
- Cover and simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 20 minutes.
- After the 20 minutes, turn the heat to low, and add the uncooked pasta.
- Stir it well, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- After the 30 minutes. Turnoff the heat and leave uncovered to cool a bit.
- Serve warm with Sharp Cheddar or Mexican Blend cheeses and a dollop of sour cream.
- This meal is nice served with a side salad and bread.
- Serves 8.
Supplies Needed:
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*Linking up at The Lou Lou Girls, Living Well Spending Less, Buns In My Oven
So sorry you had strep throat. It is soooooo painful. I think it’s way worse to have as an adult. Glad you’re better.
I Enjoy your blog.
Thanks so much Candi! Yes, it was horrible. Thanks so much for the well wishes and sweet thoughts:)