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Easy One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

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A quick and comforting one pot cheesy taco pasta that combines the bold flavors of tacos with creamy, cheesy pasta, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 packet (about 1 oz/28g) taco seasoning mix (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 8 ounces (225g) uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 cup (240ml) salsa (medium heat, mild or hot optional)
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (115g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream (can substitute Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
  4. Add beef broth, water, salsa, and uncooked pasta to the skillet. Stir gently to combine. The liquid should just about cover the pasta; add more water if needed.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheeses, and sour cream until melted and creamy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Add optional toppings like chopped green onions or fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Do not rush the simmering step to allow pasta to soak up flavors. Add water if pasta is undercooked and liquid is gone. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding sour cream off heat prevents curdling. Use smaller pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells for best results. Adjust seasoning after cooking as taco seasoning packets vary.

Nutrition

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

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