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One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta: Quick 35-Min Family Weeknight Dinner Hero

A white bowl filled with cheesy taco pasta, featuring ground beef and melted cheddar cheese topping.
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Reclaim your evening with this ultimate One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta! It delivers bold Tex-Mex flavor and creamy comfort, all while minimizing cleanup to just one skillet. Ready in 35 minutes, this recipe is the family-friendly, easy weeknight dinner solution you’ve been searching for.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or shells pasta
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for topping)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the water, diced tomatoes and green chilies, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Add the pasta to the boiling liquid. Stir well to prevent sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally during this time.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the milk until combined.
  6. Add the shredded cheese to the pot, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. This creates your cheesy taco pasta.
  7. Serve immediately. Top with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

  • For a less intense flavor, use half the amount of taco seasoning called for in the packet.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the cheesy taco pasta sit uncovered for 5 minutes after adding the cheese to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based ground for the beef to make this a simple taco recipe variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/cheesy-taco-pasta-one-pot-easy-dinner/