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Easy Cheesy One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe with Ground Beef for Quick Dinners

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A quick, tasty, and fuss-free one-pot taco pasta dish with ground beef, melty cheese, and bold taco flavors, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • 8 ounces (225g) medium pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces/410g) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 2 cups (475ml) beef broth
  • 1½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese, sharp or mild
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk, whole or 2% (can substitute dairy-free milk)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
  2. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  3. Stir in 1 finely chopped small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat evenly. Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper if you like it spicy.
  5. Pour in 1 can diced tomatoes with juice and 2 cups beef broth. Stir to combine.
  6. Add 8 ounces uncooked pasta, pushing it down so it’s submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pasta should be tender and liquid mostly absorbed. Add more broth if needed.
  8. Lower heat and stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup milk. Mix gently until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Let pasta rest covered off the heat for 2 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  10. Garnish with chopped cilantro or jalapeños if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Brown meat properly for best flavor. Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth if pasta is not tender. Add cheese off heat or on very low to avoid clumping. For reheating leftovers, add milk or broth to loosen sauce. For freezing, omit cheese and add fresh cheese after reheating.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/easy-cheesy-one-pot-taco-pasta-recipe-with-ground-beef-for-quick-dinners/