One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

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As I prepare my One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta, I often think about what goes well with such a robust dish. Here are a few delightful pairings I recommend: Crispy Taco Salad, Guacamole, Garlic Bread, Sliced Avocado, Sour Cream, Crispy Tortilla Chips etc.

If you ever found yourself in a pinch, staring at empty cabinets and a rumbling stomach, don’t despair! Let me introduce you to the culinary wonder that is One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta.

This dish is the embodiment of comfort food, combining all your favorite taco flavors into a creamy pasta delight, all made in just one pot. Yes, you heard that right! That means less cleanup and more time to dive into a bowl of cheesy goodness.

Imagine a weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Whether for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends, this dish promises to deliver a delightful experience for both the cook and the eater. Let’s dive deep into this cheesy and zesty journey!

What is One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta?

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is where Tex-Mex flavors meet comforting pasta. It’s a simple dish that combines shell pasta, seasoned ground beef, and loads of cheese—all cooked together in one pot.

With just a few ingredients, you create a rich and hearty meal that can feed a family or score you major flavor points at your next gathering.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its ease but also in its versatility. With ingredients like ground beef, diced tomatoes, and spices, you can cater it to your family’s tastes. Plus, the creamy cheese pulls everything together perfectly!

How Does It Taste?

While I can certainly describe it, the best way to know is to try it for yourself! The first bite hits you with a warm, cheesy embrace, followed by the savory notes of well-seasoned beef.

The slight tang from the tomatoes and the kick from the spices meld beautifully to create a flavor sensation. You might expect that a dish with this much cheese could feel too heavy, but the balance of flavors makes it rich yet comforting—like a hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This

You might be wondering what makes this dish so special. Here’s the scoop:

Quick and Easy: Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want dinner done without fuss.
Only One Pot: Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes. One pot means one clean-up!
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s kid-friendly and satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in any proteins or veggies you have on hand.
Perfect for Leftovers: Great for meal prep, and it saves well for lunches!

Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

1 lb ground beef: The heartiness of this protein gives the dish depth.
1 cup beef broth: This will enhance the flavor and help cook the pasta.
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: For that garlicky goodness!
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds richness and a concentrated tomato flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons dried minced onion: Provides robust notes without the fuss.
½ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies: These add a nice zesty kick.
1 ½ cups whole milk, divided: This creates a creamy texture.
1 cup water: Helps in cooking the pasta.
2 teaspoons ground cumin: The signature taste of taco seasoning.
8 ounces shell pasta: The star of the show, holding all that cheesy goodness.
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, contributing to the cheesy goodness.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional): For a hint of smokiness.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional): A dash of freshness to top it all off.

Step by Step Directions

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. As it’s cooking, drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Mix in the Aromatics

Once the meat is browned, stir in the garlic powder, dried minced onion, and ground cumin. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing those spices to release their fantastic aroma.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomato Paste and Diced Tomatoes

Next, stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes along with the green chilies. Ensure everything is well mixed for even flavor distribution.

Step 4: Add Broth, Milk, and Water

Pour in the beef broth, 1 cup of milk, and water. Bring it to a gentle boil, then add the shell pasta. Stir everything together and reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Let the pasta cook covered for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the pasta to be al dente and the mixture to thicken nicely. If it gets too thick or you notice it sticking to the bottom, add a splash of water or milk as needed.

Step 6: Stir in the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Sprinkle both shredded cheeses on top and stir them in until fully melted and creamy. If you want to add the optional smoked paprika, now’s the time!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Spoon portions into bowls and top with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately, and watch it disappear!

Tips on Making One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Here are some wisdom nuggets I’ve gathered from making this dish multiple times. These tips will help you ensure success:

Brown the Meat Well: The more you brown the ground beef, the more flavor it develops. Don’t rush this step!
Experiment with Cheese: Swap out Monterey Jack or cheddar for pepper jack for an extra kick.
Don’t Skip the Stirring: Occasional stirring prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
Adjust the Spice Level: If the kiddos are sensitive to heat, go easy on the diced tomatoes with chilies.
Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

How Do You Store This One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta?

Storing leftover cheesy taco pasta is a breeze. Here’s how:

Let It Cool: Before storing, allow it to cool to room temperature.
Seal It Up: Transfer to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents drying.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Freezing: To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta?

There’s no need to be locked into the same ingredients. Here are some substitutions to keep the meal exciting:

Ground Turkey: A leaner option that works beautifully in place of beef.
Quinoa: Swap the pasta for quinoa for a gluten-free alternative that’s packed with protein.
Vegetable Broth: Use this instead of beef broth for a vegetarian twist if you’re skipping the meat.
Plant-Based Ground Meat: Perfect for those following a vegan diet, this can mimic the flavors of beef.
Greek Yogurt: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to add creaminess and protein without all the fat.

Sarah Brown

If you ever found yourself in a pinch, staring at empty cabinets and a rumbling stomach, don’t despair! Let me introduce you to the culinary wonder that is One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings Servings

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

Large pot

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup beef broth
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 ½ teaspoons dried minced onion
½ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies Rotel brand is preferred
1 ½ cups whole milk divided
1 cup water
2 teaspoons ground cumin
8 ounces shell pasta
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for a subtle smoky flavor
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro optional, for a fresh touch