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One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 703 reviews

This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and delicious weeknight meal combining flavorful taco-seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melty Mexican-style cheese, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasoning

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning (or about 3 1/2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)

Liquids and Sauce

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup jarred mild salsa

Pasta and Cheese

  • 8 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Season the Meat: Add salt, pepper, and taco seasoning to the browned beef. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the seasoning.
  3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in 2 cups of water and 1 cup of jarred mild salsa. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked rotini pasta. Make sure the pasta is evenly submerged in the liquid.
  4. Simmer and Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer until the pasta is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Add Cheese and Melt: Once the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican-style cheese over the top. Stir until the cheese melts and the pasta becomes creamy and cheesy.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Adjust the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa and taco seasoning.
  • For gluten-free pasta, use a gluten-free rotini variety.
  • Adding chopped onions and garlic at the start adds more depth of flavor.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: one pot pasta, cheesy taco pasta, taco pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, Mexican style pasta

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/one-pot-cheesy-taco-pasta-recipe/