Print

Easy Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta

easy cheesy one-pot taco pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting one-pot taco pasta recipe combining Mexican spices with cheesy Italian flavors, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 8 ounces medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%, or dairy-free alternative)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until mostly browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the meat mixture and stir well to coat.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes with juices and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits.
  5. Stir in uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Increase heat to high and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  7. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk. Continue stirring until cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or cilantro.

Notes

If pasta looks too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen. Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness. Stir cheese in off heat to avoid clumping or greasiness. For vegetarian version, substitute beef with black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth. Smaller pasta shapes like elbows or shells work best.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, taco pasta, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, family dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/easy-cheesy-one-pot-taco-pasta-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/