Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta combines the bold flavors of seasoned ground beef and taco spices with tender pasta and melty cheeses, making for a quick, comforting, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal cleanup and all ingredients cooked together in one pot, it’s an easy dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein 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
- 1/2 cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed to avoid a greasy dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the cooked beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, enhancing the dish’s depth of flavor.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: 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 the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover 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 the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted and creamy. For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk and stir to combine.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper according to your preference to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired, and serve immediately while warm and cheesy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, but smaller shapes like rotini or penne work best to evenly capture the sauce.
- If you want it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños when sautéing.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with added milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
