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

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A quick and easy one-pot cheesy taco pasta that combines seasoned beef, melted cheese, and pasta for a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 8 ounces (225g) medium pasta (rotini or elbow macaroni)
  • 2 tablespoons Mexican seasoning mix (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano)
  • 1 small chopped onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411g) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until mostly browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking up clumps. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Sprinkle Mexican seasoning mix evenly over the beef and onions. Stir well to coat. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, and milk. Stir to combine. Add dry pasta, pushing it down so it’s mostly submerged.
  5. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with lid and simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  6. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until cheese is melted and creamy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream or fresh cilantro.

Notes

If pasta looks dry before fully cooked, add a splash more broth or water. Do not rush cheese addition to avoid clumping. Leftovers reheat well with added milk or broth to restore creaminess. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet. Vegetarian option: substitute ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans.

Nutrition

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

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