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Easy Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta Recipe 5-Ingredient Dinner Idea

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A quick and easy one-pot taco pasta dish combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 8 oz (225 g) uncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 1 packet (about 2 tbsp) taco seasoning
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded preferred)
  • 3 cups (720 ml) water or beef broth

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add uncooked pasta to the skillet, then pour in water or beef broth. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is submerged.
  4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce is too thick.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, optionally topped with diced tomatoes, green onions, or sour cream.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting texture. Keep the lid on during simmering to trap steam and cook pasta evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra liquid if pasta is not fully cooked after 15 minutes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time accordingly. Optional toppings include diced tomatoes, green onions, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta, one-pot dinner, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, taco seasoning, ground beef pasta