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Cozy One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

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A quick and easy one-pot cheesy taco pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights and kid-friendly dinners, combining comforting pasta with flavorful taco spices and creamy cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 8 ounces medium pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups beef broth, low sodium if possible
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional add-ins: diced bell peppers, corn kernels, black beans

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (about 3 minutes) until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until translucent and fragrant, roughly 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  4. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir well to coat evenly.
  5. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the beef broth. Stir to combine.
  6. Add the uncooked pasta directly to the skillet and stir to submerge the pasta in the liquid.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let simmer gently for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Check the pasta for doneness; it should be tender but not mushy. Add more broth or water if liquid reduces too quickly.
  9. Turn off the heat and stir in the cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
  10. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and gooey.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
  12. Serve immediately, garnished with optional toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or sour cream.

Notes

Stir gently but consistently during simmering to avoid pasta sticking. Keep heat low during simmering to prevent burning. Add cream cheese off heat to avoid curdling before adding cheddar cheese. Adjust liquid levels as needed depending on stove and pan. Use medium pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini for best results. For a leaner dish, drain excess fat or swap ground beef with turkey or chicken. Vegetarian and dairy-free versions are possible with ingredient swaps.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, cheesy taco pasta, kid-friendly dinner, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, taco seasoning, comfort food

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/cozy-one-pot-cheesy-taco-pasta-recipe-easy-kid-favorite-dinner/