Cheesy Taco Pasta
Cheesy Taco Pasta combines the hearty flavors of taco seasoning with tender pasta and plenty of melty cheese, making it a quick and satisfying one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Equipment
- 1 large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 colander
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cheese grater (optional)
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey For a lighter option, use turkey.
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the pasta to the pot, making sure it's submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve warm, topped with optional toppings like green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños if desired.
Notes
For a spicier dish, use spicy taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños to the beef while cooking.
You can substitute ground meat with black beans for a vegetarian version.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats well; simply add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.