Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with creamy melted cheeses and tender pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, it uses simple ingredients cooked together in one pot, saving time and cleanup while delivering a comforting, flavorful dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the meat: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary to reduce fat content.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and uncooked pasta. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Melt the cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted and creamy. If desired, add a splash of milk for extra creaminess and stir to incorporate.
- Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. Stir well to ensure flavors are balanced.
- Garnish and serve: Top with freshly chopped cilantro or green onions if using, then serve warm straight from the pot for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten free.
- For added heat, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes with the onions and garlic.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, increase the amount of milk or add a dollop of sour cream before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth.
