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Easy Cheesy One-Pot Taco Pasta Recipe with Ground Beef for Quick Dinners

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A quick and comforting one-pot taco pasta with ground beef, creamy cheese, and zesty taco seasoning, perfect for busy weeknights and casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)
  • 8 ounces medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 170 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 cups beef broth (475 ml)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sour cream (120 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet or wide sauté pan.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add 1 pound ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper during cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning over the beef. Pour in one 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained). Stir to combine and simmer gently for 2 minutes.
  6. Add 8 ounces dry pasta and 2 cups beef broth to the skillet. Stir to evenly distribute.
  7. Increase heat slightly to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking. Check pasta doneness around 15 minutes; it should be tender but not mushy. Add a splash more broth or water if it looks dry.
  8. Remove the lid. Lower the heat and stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  9. Fold in ½ cup sour cream for smoothness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  10. Turn off heat and let the pasta sit, covered, for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  11. Serve hot, optionally topped with chopped green onions, extra cheese, or a dollop of salsa.

Notes

Use small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells for best sauce absorption. Stir gently and occasionally to prevent sticking. Let pasta rest off heat to thicken sauce. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. For variations, try ground turkey, pepper jack cheese, or add veggies like corn and bell peppers during simmering. Slow cooker adaptation possible by browning beef and aromatics first, then cooking on low 3-4 hours.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/easy-cheesy-one-pot-taco-pasta-recipe-with-ground-beef-for-quick-dinners/