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Easy Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta

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A quick and comforting one-pot taco pasta recipe that combines cheesy goodness with a Mexican twist, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 8 ounces medium shell or elbow pasta
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cups beef broth, preferably low sodium
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ¼ cup sour cream or heavy cream (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir to coat the meat evenly.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice and beef broth; stir to combine.
  5. Add pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged in liquid. Increase heat to bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
  6. Simmer pasta, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender but not mushy, about 12-15 minutes.
  7. Remove lid and reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted.
  8. For extra creaminess, stir in sour cream or heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Stir until smooth and creamy. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

If pasta thickens too much before fully cooked, add a splash of broth or water to loosen. For a saucier dish, add an extra ½ cup broth at step 3. Stir regularly to prevent sticking. Use fresh shredded cheese for best melting. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasy sauce. Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for a tangy contrast.

Nutrition

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

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