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Easy One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick and filling one-pot pasta dish combining taco flavors with creamy, cheesy sauce, perfect for hectic weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey/plant-based crumbles)
  • 12 ounces medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, draining excess fat if necessary.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and stir to coat evenly.
  5. Add diced tomatoes with juice and beef broth, stirring to combine.
  6. Pour in dry pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Increase heat to high and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  8. Remove lid, stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese until cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Let pasta rest off heat for 2 minutes to thicken slightly, then serve garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

[‘Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.’, ‘Add jalapeños or cayenne for extra spice.’, ‘If sauce is too thick, add broth or milk to loosen; if too thin, cook uncovered a few more minutes.’, ‘Soak skillet immediately after cooking to ease cleanup.’, ‘Can substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.’, ‘For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and milk alternatives.’, ‘Use gluten-free pasta to make recipe gluten-free.’]

Nutrition

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

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