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Cozy One-Pot Taco Pasta Recipe Easy Ground Beef and Cheese Dinner

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A quick and easy one-pot taco pasta with ground beef and cheese that delivers creamy, hearty, and flavorful comfort food without the mess.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 8 ounces (225 g) medium pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream (optional)
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and brown the beef.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the browned beef and stir to coat. Let the spices bloom for about a minute.
  4. Pour in the tomato sauce and mix thoroughly.
  5. Slowly add the beef broth to the pot, stirring to combine. Add the dry pasta and push it down gently to submerge mostly in the liquid.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover loosely, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender but not mushy.
  7. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more taco seasoning if desired.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve hot straight from the pot.

Notes

If pasta looks too dry during cooking, add a splash of broth or water to keep it saucy. Stir often to prevent sticking and overcooking. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and texture. For vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make it gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, taco pasta, ground beef, cheese, easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/cozy-one-pot-taco-pasta-recipe-easy-ground-beef-and-cheese-dinner/