One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta: Simple Weeknight Dinner
Prepare this satisfying, family-friendly Cheesy Taco Pasta entirely in one pot. This recipe combines bold taco flavor with creamy pasta for a minimal cleanup dinner ready fast.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or medium shells
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, beef broth, and taco seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the dry pasta to the boiling liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream or milk until combined.
- Add the shredded cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Serve immediately for a hearty, minimal cleanup dinner.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use your favorite homemade taco seasoning blend instead of pre-packaged seasoning.
- If the sauce is too thick after adding the cheese, add a splash more broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
- This recipe works well as a quick Tex Mex Pasta Bake if you transfer it to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 95