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

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A quick and easy one-pot taco pasta dish combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melty cheddar cheese for a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 8 oz medium pasta shells or elbow macaroni (can substitute gluten-free pasta)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 170 g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet or wide saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  5. Add uncooked pasta directly into the skillet, pushing it down to submerge in the liquid.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Let simmer for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
  7. Once pasta is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve warm with optional toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes.

Notes

Do not rush the simmer step; let the pasta soak up the broth slowly for best flavor and texture. Add extra broth or water if the mixture looks dry before pasta is fully cooked. Add cheese off the heat to keep it smooth and melty. For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

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

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