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Easy One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

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A quick and comforting one-pot pasta dish combining spicy taco flavors with creamy cheese, ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or small shells pasta
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until beef is browned and onions are translucent. Drain excess fat if desired. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir to combine. Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine.
  3. Add pasta to the skillet, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed (12-15 minutes). Add more broth or water if it dries out before pasta is done.
  4. Remove lid and pour in milk. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir gently until cheese melts into a creamy sauce coating the pasta and beef evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Give a final stir, check seasoning, and serve hot.

Notes

Keep heat moderate to prevent liquid from evaporating too quickly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking but avoid over-stirring to keep pasta intact. Use smaller pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells for best sauce retention. Freshly grate cheddar cheese for better melt and flavor. Adjust liquid as needed during simmering. For gluten-free pasta, cook separately and fold in at the end.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/easy-one-pot-cheesy-taco-pasta-recipe-25-minute-dinner-idea/