Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and easy Tex-Mex inspired meal that combines seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce all cooked together in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s packed with bold taco flavors and melts in your mouth cheesy goodness, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Pasta & Dairy
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Additional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and tomato sauce. Then add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine.
- Simmer the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Make It Cheesy: Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can add black beans, corn, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, stir in chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
