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Easy Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta

Easy Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta - featured image
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A quick and comforting one-pot taco pasta recipe combining seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and pasta, perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 8 ounces medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add chopped onion to the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
  4. Add diced tomatoes with green chilies (including juices), beef broth, and milk. Stir to combine. Add dry pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
  5. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Let sit off heat for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Serve topped with optional garnishes like chopped cilantro or sour cream.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for creamier sauce. Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking. Adjust seasoning gradually and add broth or milk if sauce thickens too much. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef, or use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

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

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