One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a hearty, flavorful dish combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce infused with classic taco spices. This easy, comforting recipe cooks everything in one pot, delivering a zesty, cheesy meal perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Category: Main Dish, One-Pot Meal, Mexican-Inspired
- Method: Browning, Simmering, One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1½ teaspoons dried minced onion
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel brand preferred)
1 cup beef broth
1½ cups whole milk, divided
1 cup water
8 oz shell pasta
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
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Brown ground beef in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add cumin, dried minced onion, and garlic powder; stir to coat meat evenly.
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Stir in tomato paste and diced tomatoes with green chilies; cook 2-3 minutes.
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Pour in beef broth, 1 cup milk, water, and add shell pasta. Stir and bring to a boil.
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Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
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Stir in remaining ½ cup milk and both cheeses until melted and creamy.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for variation.
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra nutrition.
Adjust spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/one-pot-cheesy-taco-pasta/
