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Easy Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta Recipe for Quick Family Dinners

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A quick and easy one-pot taco pasta combining taco-seasoned meat, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook 5-7 minutes, breaking up meat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over meat mixture. Stir well and toast for about 1 minute to bloom flavors.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce and broth, then add uncooked pasta. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged in liquid (add more broth if needed).
  5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid and cook 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  6. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over top. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of broth or milk to loosen.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream.

Notes

Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking and uneven cooking. Cheese melts best off heat to avoid curdling. Use quality broth for richer flavor. For vegetarian, substitute meat with cooked beans or lentils. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and broth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lunafeast.com/easy-cheesy-one-pot-taco-pasta-recipe-for-quick-family-dinners/