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Easy One-Pot Taco Pasta with Ground Turkey and Black Beans

one-pot taco pasta - featured image

A quick and flavorful one-pot taco pasta recipe featuring ground turkey, black beans, and a creamy taco sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 8 oz medium pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat
  • Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients (5 minutes): Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the black beans.
  2. Brown the Ground Turkey (7-8 minutes): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic (3 minutes): Push turkey to the side, add chopped onion to the pan. Cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add Taco Seasoning and Liquids (2 minutes): Sprinkle taco seasoning over turkey mixture. Stir well to coat. Pour in diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Add Pasta and Black Beans (1 minute): Stir in dry pasta and black beans. Ensure pasta is submerged in liquid for even cooking.
  6. Simmer and Cook Pasta (12-15 minutes): Bring mixture to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. Add extra broth or water if needed.
  7. Finish with Cheese (2 minutes): Remove lid, sprinkle shredded cheese over pasta. Stir gently until melted and creamy.
  8. Final Taste and Adjustments (1 minute): Taste and add salt, pepper, or extra taco seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking. Use a lid to trap steam and cook pasta evenly. Adjust broth amount as needed to avoid dryness or soupy texture. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use non-dairy cheese. Ground chicken or lean ground beef can substitute turkey. Gluten-free pasta works for gluten-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, taco pasta, ground turkey, black beans, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, healthy pasta