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Easy One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

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A quick and comforting one-pot meal combining seasoned taco beef, pasta, and melted cheeses for a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean)
  • 8 ounces (225g) medium pasta (rotini or penne recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425g) tomato sauce (no-salt-added preferred)
  • 2 cups (475ml) beef broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen corn kernels (optional)
  • 1½ cups (170g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (57g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Break meat apart to prevent clumps. Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring often.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and onions. Stir well to coat evenly and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce, beef broth, and uncooked pasta. Ensure pasta is submerged in liquid. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in frozen corn kernels, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese. Mix until cheese melts into a creamy sauce, about 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Brown the beef well for best flavor. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking. Shredding cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded. If pasta finishes cooking but liquid remains, remove lid and cook a few more minutes to thicken. For dairy-free or vegetarian versions, substitute ingredients as suggested.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, cheesy, taco pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, family-friendly, easy recipe

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