One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes! It’s a fun and flavorful fusion of taco flavors and creamy pasta, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual family meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, taco seasonings, and cheesy sauce creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile.
• Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-pot meal: Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your dinner!
• Kid-friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults.

this Recipe

Ingredients for One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Ground Cumin, Dried Minced Onion, Garlic Powder: A blend of spices that add a classic taco flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds a zesty kick and a touch of heat. Rotel brand is preferred.
• Beef Broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
• Water: Helps cook the pasta and create the sauce.
• Shell Pasta: Use small shell pasta or another small pasta shape that holds sauce well.
• Monterey Jack Cheese and Mild Cheddar Cheese: A blend of cheeses that adds a melty, cheesy topping.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Season

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, combine the ground beef, cumin, dried minced onion, and garlic powder. Cook and crumble the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease from the pot.

Step 2: Simmer the Sauce

Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and 1 cup of the whole milk to the pot. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add the shell pasta to the pot and simmer over medium-low heat until the pasta is cooked through. Refer to the pasta package directions for cooking time suggestions.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, shredded mild cheddar cheese, and the remaining 1/2 cup of whole milk. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta immediately while it’s warm.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cheese: For best results, shred your own cheese from a block, as pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can hinder melting.
• Salt: There is no need to add salt to the beef while cooking, as the beef broth already contains plenty of salt.
• Milk: Reserving half a cup of the whole milk helps create a smoother and creamier sauce when you melt the cheese.

How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

• Weeknight dinner: This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
• Casual gathering: It’s also a great option for a casual get-together or potluck.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes, such as elbow macaroni or rotini.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply brown the ground beef on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the pasta is tender.

My One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a bit dry, what should I do?
If your dish is a bit dry, you can add a splash of broth or water to moisten it up.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more vegetables, such as black beans, corn, or bell peppers.

There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta. I hope you enjoy it!

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