Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner combining seasoned ground beef, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta cooked all together in a single pot. Packed with Mexican-inspired spices and a cheesy finish, this dish delivers a comforting and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel brand preferred)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup water
- 8 ounces shell pasta
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef along with ground cumin, dried minced onion, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain the excess fat from the pot to reduce greasiness.
- Add Base Ingredients and Simmer: To the browned beef, stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes with green chilies, beef broth, and 1 cup of whole milk. Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the shell pasta to the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes or according to the package instructions. Add more liquid if needed to prevent sticking.
- Melt in the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded Monterey Jack and mild cheddar cheeses, one cup at a time, until fully melted and evenly combined with the pasta and beef.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the pot from heat and serve the cheesy taco pasta hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add more diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk to reduce calories and fat content.
- Feel free to top with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or sour cream for added flavor.
- Make sure to stir frequently while simmering pasta to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.
