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One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta: Quick Weeknight Dinner

A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy, cheesy taco pasta mixed with ground beef and small pieces of peppers.
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Make this creamy, cheesy taco pasta in a single pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers satisfying Tex-Mex comfort in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small shell pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the beef mixture.
  4. Pour in the water or broth, and add the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Add the pasta to the pot, stirring to submerge it in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half until fully combined.
  7. Add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
  8. Taste the pasta and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for a simple comfort food pasta experience.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, substitute half of the water with tomato sauce.
  • If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash more broth or water.
  • You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for this one pan pasta meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/one-pot-cheesy-taco-pasta-quick-dinner/