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Easy Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta

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A quick and comforting one-pot taco pasta recipe combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese for a delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet or sauté pan.
  2. Add ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding burning.
  5. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat evenly.
  6. Pour in 3 cups beef broth and 1 cup tomato sauce, stir to combine.
  7. Add 8 ounces uncooked pasta, distribute evenly, and bring mixture to a gentle boil.
  8. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with lid, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Add more broth if needed.
  9. Remove lid, sprinkle 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese on top, and stir until melted and gooey.
  10. Fold in ½ cup sour cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  11. Let pasta sit off heat for a minute to thicken slightly.
  12. Top with optional chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños and serve hot.

Notes

Brown the beef properly for best flavor. Stir pasta every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Add broth if sauce gets too thick or simmer uncovered to reduce if too thin. Add cheese at the end for creamy texture. Remove from heat before adding sour cream to avoid curdling. Garnish with fresh toppings for brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco pasta, one-pot meal, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food

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