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Easy Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta

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A quick and comforting one-pot taco pasta recipe combining cheesy creaminess with bold taco seasoning, perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (can substitute plant-based crumbles)
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small shells pasta
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade blend (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup milk or cream (whole milk preferred, 2% works fine)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, avocado

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Break apart with a spoon and drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Lower heat to medium. Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the beef and veggies. Stir to coat and let spices toast slightly for about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in 1 can diced tomatoes with juices, 2 cups beef broth, and 1/2 cup milk. Stir to combine, then add 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni. Ensure pasta is mostly submerged.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Pasta will absorb the liquid and cook tender.
  6. Remove lid and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick.
  8. Serve hot topped with optional garnishes like cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream.

Notes

Keep heat low once boiling to prevent liquid from evaporating too fast. Stir occasionally but gently to avoid breaking pasta. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results. Taste before adding salt as taco seasoning and broth add sodium. If pasta isn’t tender after 15 minutes, add more broth and continue cooking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check seasoning ingredients.

Nutrition

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

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