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One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Meal!

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick, creamy, and customizable dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

For the Meat

  • 1 lb Ground Beef Feel free to substitute with turkey or plant-based meat.

For the Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp Ground Cumin Can use a taco seasoning mix for an easier option.
  • 1 tbsp Dried Minced Onion Fresh onions can be used for a fresher taste.
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder Substitute with fresh minced garlic if preferred.

For the Sauce

  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste Swap with marinara sauce in a pinch.
  • ½ cup Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (Rotel) Any canned tomatoes can work in a pinch.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Opt for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Replace with oat milk or coconut milk for dairy-free.
  • 1 cup Water Use as needed for a thinner sauce.

For the Pasta

  • 8 oz Shell Pasta Consider gluten-free pasta if sensitive to gluten.

For Melting

  • 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Substitute with pepper jack for a kick.
  • 1 cup Mild Cheddar Cheese Choose sharp cheddar for more intense flavor.

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown 1 lb ground beef with ground cumin, dried minced onion, and garlic powder over medium heat. Drain any excess fat to keep lighter.
  • Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, ½ cup diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 cup beef broth, and 1 cup of whole milk. Bring to a gentle boil.
  • Incorporate 8 oz shell pasta into the pot. Cook on medium-low heat for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
  • Lower the heat, then mix in 1 cup each of Monterey Jack and mild cheddar cheese, along with the remaining ½ cup of milk. Stir until the cheeses melt.
  • Spoon the cheesy taco pasta into bowls and enjoy while hot. Garnish with diced avocado and sour cream if desired.

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg
Keyword comfort food, Easy Dinner, Family-Friendly, One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta, pasta recipes, weeknight meals
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