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Easy Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta

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A quick and comforting one-pot taco pasta recipe that combines cheesy, spicy flavors with simple ingredients for a perfect busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred, or turkey/plant-based substitute)
  • 8 ounces medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to skillet. Stir often until onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over meat and onions. Stir well to coat evenly.
  4. Pour in beef broth and canned tomatoes with juices. Stir in dry pasta. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender.
  6. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over pasta. Stir gently until cheese melts and mixture is creamy. Fold in sour cream if using.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of water or broth if too thick.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with optional taco toppings like sliced jalapeños, cilantro, or lime.

Notes

Do not rush the simmering step to allow pasta to absorb flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add cheese off heat to avoid clumping. Use small pasta shapes like elbows or shells for best sauce retention. For vegetarian version, substitute beef with tofu or lentils and use vegetable broth. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check taco seasoning ingredients.

Nutrition

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

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