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Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta

Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot meal combining pasta with taco flavors and creamy cheese, perfect for busy family nights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 8 oz medium pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 ½ cups beef broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm for about 1 minute until shimmering.
  2. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef or turkey and cook for 5–7 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it up evenly. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons taco seasoning over the meat and stir well to coat. Cook for 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in 2 ½ cups beef broth and 1 cup tomato sauce. Stir to combine, then add 8 oz dry pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
  7. Check pasta for doneness; it should be al dente. Cook 1–2 minutes longer if needed, adding broth if dry.
  8. Lower heat to very low. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with optional toppings like cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream.

Notes

Stir every 5 minutes during simmering to prevent sticking. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. Adjust seasoning to taste. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check taco seasoning ingredients. Add extra broth or cream if sauce is too thick before adding cheese.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cheesy-one-pot-taco-pasta-recipe-easy-comfort-meal-for-family-nights/