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Quick Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta

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A quick and easy one-pot taco pasta recipe that combines taco spices with melted cheese for a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (lean preferred)
  • 8 ounces medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth or stock
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (mild recommended)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent and slightly softened.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Brown the ground beef or turkey by crumbling it into the pan and stirring frequently. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired.
  4. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and stir well to coat evenly. Cook for another minute to toast the spices slightly.
  5. Add tomato sauce and beef broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring every 4-5 minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the sauce and cook in the pan.
  7. Once pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the lid. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream if using. Mix until cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

If the sauce gets too thick before pasta is done, add a splash of water or broth. Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Add cheese off heat or on very low to avoid clumping. Let the dish sit covered for a couple of minutes off the heat to meld flavors. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for vegetarian, substitute meat with beans or plant-based crumbles; for dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and skip sour cream or use coconut yogurt.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/quick-cheesy-one-pot-taco-pasta-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner-idea/