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

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A quick and easy one-pot taco pasta with ground beef, cheesy sauce, and bold taco flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (85% lean)
  • 8 ounces (225g) medium pasta (elbow macaroni or shells)
  • 1 small onion, diced (yellow or white)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
  • 1.5 cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onions. Cook, breaking up the meat, until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent (8-10 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add diced tomatoes with their juices and beef broth. Stir to combine and scrape browned bits from the bottom (2 minutes).
  4. Stir in dry pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Increase heat to high and bring to a gentle simmer (2-3 minutes).
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Simmer pasta, stirring occasionally, until tender and most liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. Add more broth or water if it looks dry.
  6. Lower heat and pour in milk. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth (3-5 minutes).
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve immediately with optional toppings like sour cream or chopped cilantro.

Notes

Brown the meat well for deep flavor. Control liquid carefully to avoid soggy or dry pasta. Add milk before cheese to prevent clumps. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free version and plant-based cheese and milk for dairy-free. Leftovers keep 3-4 days refrigerated; reheat gently with splash of milk.

Nutrition

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

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