One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines the zest of taco seasonings with the comfort of cheesy pasta. Ideal for busy weeknights, this meal offers a delightful fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors and classic pasta, all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound (16 oz) lean ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 packet)

• 1 cup salsa (mild or medium)

• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1¼ cups uncooked pasta shells (or rotini/penne)

• 2 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped cilantro, crushed tortilla chips

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.

2. Cook Meat: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

3. Season: Stir in taco seasoning and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add salsa, tomato sauce, uncooked pasta, and broth to the skillet. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.

5. Simmer: Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

6. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.

7. Serve: Dish out the pasta into bowls and top with optional toppings like diced tomatoes, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 507 kcal

• Protein: 31g

• Carbohydrates: 56g

• Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Fiber: 9g

• Sugar: 8g

• Sodium: 1,627mg

• Cholesterol: 70mg

• Calcium: 526mg

• Iron: 5mg

• Potassium: 1,146mg