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Easy Cheesy One-Pot Ground Beef Taco Pasta Skillet

one pot ground beef taco pasta - featured image
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A quick and hearty one-pot meal combining ground beef, taco seasoning, and pasta simmered together with melted cheese for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 8 ounces uncooked small pasta shapes (elbow macaroni or rotini)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast spices and deepen flavor.
  4. Slowly pour in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Stir in uncooked pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and broth mostly absorbed.
  6. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the pasta. Stir gently until cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Add a splash of broth or water if sauce is too thick.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with optional toppings and serve hot.

Notes

If pasta absorbs broth too quickly, add more liquid in small increments to avoid burning. Let cheese melt off heat for a smooth sauce. Use fresh garlic and onions for best flavor. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or zoodles for low-carb.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, ground beef, taco pasta, quick dinner, cheesy, skillet, easy recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-cheesy-one-pot-ground-beef-taco-pasta-skillet-recipe-for-quick-dinner/