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One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta: Your New Family Favorite Dish

This One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a creamy, satisfying meal that combines pasta and taco flavors, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces shell pasta feel free to swap for gluten-free pasta if needed
  • 2 cups water essential for cooking the pasta
For the Beef and Sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef or substitute with turkey or plant-based meat
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin or use taco seasoning for convenience
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion can swap for fresh onion
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or use fresh minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste can substitute with tomato sauce
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel) brings moisture and spice
  • 1 cup beef broth can use vegetable broth for meat-free option
  • 1 cup whole milk feel free to use non-dairy milk
For the Cheesy Finish
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese or mozzarella as a substitute
  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese sharp cheddar can be used for bolder flavor

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.
  2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of dried minced onion, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder as the meat cooks for 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. If needed, drain excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and ½ cup of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
  5. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of whole milk. Bring to a gentle boil for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add 8 ounces of shell pasta, ensure it's submerged, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
  7. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in an additional ½ cup of milk and 1 cup each of shredded Monterey Jack and mild cheddar cheese.
  8. Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute. Serve warm, garnished with favorite toppings like sour cream or fresh cilantro.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Customize with your favorite veggies or proteins such as bell peppers or black beans to add a twist.

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