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One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta: Your New Weeknight Favorite

A spoonful of creamy, cheesy taco pasta being lifted from a white bowl, showing ground beef and elbow macaroni.
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Whip up this incredibly easy, creamy, and cheesy Taco Pasta in just one pot! It brings all the bold flavors of taco night into a comforting pasta dish, perfect for busy families and quick dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning mix
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or preferred short pasta
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), tomato sauce, water or broth, and the entire packet of taco seasoning. Stir well to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the dry pasta to the pot. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
  5. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the milk and the shredded cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  7. If using, stir in the sour cream for extra richness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve immediately. Top with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, salsa, or crushed tortilla chips.

Notes

  • For a higher protein meal, consider using lean ground turkey or adding a can of rinsed black beans with the liquids.
  • This recipe is a great alternative to complicated meal planning; it’s faster than many meal delivery companies offer.
  • If you prefer a baked version, transfer the cooked pasta mixture to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until bubbly.
  • If you are tracking macros, this dish is easily adaptable to a keto meal plan delivery style by substituting traditional pasta with low-carb alternatives.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/one-pot-cheesy-taco-pasta-recipe/