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- 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 8 oz (approximately 2 cups) elbow macaroni - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies These three main ingredients form the base of your One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta. Ground beef or turkey brings protein and flavor. Elbow macaroni soaks up the yummy sauce. Diced tomatoes with green chilies add a nice kick. - 1 packet taco seasoning - 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup corn (freshly frozen or canned) - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil Taco seasoning gives your dish that classic taco flavor. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into a creamy topping. Corn adds sweetness and texture. Onion and garlic enhance the base flavors. Broth makes the sauce rich and tasty. - Fresh cilantro, chopped - Sour cream - Avocado slices Garnishes like fresh cilantro brighten up the dish. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess. Avocado slices bring a creamy, healthy touch. These extras make your meal look great and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of olive oil. 2. Once the oil shimmers, add a finely diced medium onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes. The onion should become soft and clear. 3. Stir in two minced cloves of garlic. Add one pound of ground beef or turkey. 4. Cook the meat for 5-7 minutes. Break it up with a wooden spoon until it is brown. Drain any fat if needed. 1. Sprinkle one packet of taco seasoning over the meat. Mix well to coat the meat evenly. 2. Pour in two cups of chicken or vegetable broth. Add one can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. 3. Stir everything until it is well combined. 4. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. 5. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-low. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and one cup of corn. Stir to make sure the pasta is covered by the liquid. 1. Cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. 2. Stir occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking to the pot. Cook until the pasta is soft and most of the liquid is gone. 3. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts. 4. Taste the pasta and add salt and black pepper if needed. 5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if you like. Enjoy your meal! To prevent pasta from sticking, stir it often while it cooks. This helps keep it separate. You can also add a splash of olive oil to the water before you add the pasta. Taste your dish as you cook. This way, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. You might want to add a bit more salt or taco seasoning for extra flavor. Get creative with garnishes! Top your pasta with extra cheese, sour cream, or sliced avocado. Fresh cilantro adds a nice touch too. For sides, consider serving tortilla chips or a simple green salad. A cold drink, like lemonade or a light beer, pairs well with this dish. Using pre-cooked meat can really speed things up. You can find cooked beef or turkey at the store. This saves time on prep and cooking. For busy days, meal prep is key. Cook a double batch and store half for later. Just reheat it when you're ready to eat! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly chopped onions and garlic enhance the flavor of the dish significantly, making the pasta more aromatic and delicious. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute the ground beef or turkey with plant-based alternatives or even shredded chicken for a different flavor profile. Cheese Choices: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of cheeses for a richer taste. Leftover Magic: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers. Just add a splash of broth when reheating to restore creaminess. {{image_4}} You can easily switch ground turkey for ground beef. Turkey is leaner and can cut calories. For pasta shapes, try penne, rotini, or even gluten-free options. Each shape holds the sauce differently, adding a fun twist to your dish. Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. Consider mixing in bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. You can also add beans for protein. Black beans or pinto beans work well. Just rinse them and stir them in when you add the pasta. Want to make it vegetarian? Use a plant-based meat substitute instead of beef or turkey. For a vegan option, skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese. You can also find gluten-free pasta to fit your needs. Enjoy your meal, no matter your diet! Store leftovers in an airtight container. Cool the pasta to room temperature first. This helps to keep it fresh. The pasta stays good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you are not sure, check for any off smells or changes in texture. To freeze the dish, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, you can use the microwave or stovetop. In the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, add a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess. Stir frequently until heated through. This will help keep your pasta soft and creamy. Making One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is quick! It takes about 10 minutes to prep. Cooking will take around 20 minutes. So, in just 30 minutes, you can serve a warm, tasty dish. Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian! Just swap ground beef with black beans or lentils. You can also use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Adjust the taco seasoning to keep the flavor strong. This dish pairs well with many sides. Try a fresh salad for crunch. You can also serve tortilla chips for a fun crunch. If you want something warm, garlic bread is a great option! Absolutely! While cheddar adds a nice flavor, you can mix it up. Monterey Jack or pepper jack will add a great kick. You can even try cream cheese for a creamy texture. Get creative with your cheese choices! This blog covers a tasty one-pot cheesy taco pasta. We explored main ingredients like ground beef, elbow macaroni, and diced tomatoes. I shared tips on seasoning, cooking, and optional garnishes. You can add your favorite veggies or try different meats. Best of all, leftovers store well in the fridge or freeze nicely. Enjoy making this dish. It’s easy, fun, and perfect for any night. You’ll impress everyone with your cooking skills. Try it out and make it your own!

One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

A delicious and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring cheesy goodness and taco flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup corn (freshly frozen or canned)
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • optional fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.
  • Next, stir in the minced garlic and the ground beef (or turkey). Cook while breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  • Once the meat is browned, sprinkle the taco seasoning over it, stirring well to coat the meat thoroughly. Allow it to cook for an additional minute to activate the spices and release their aromas.
  • Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, followed by the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir the mixture until evenly combined.
  • Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. After boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the elbow macaroni and corn. Ensure that the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid by stirring it properly.
  • Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot, and cook until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  • Once the pasta reaches the desired tenderness, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it melts completely, resulting in a creamy texture.
  • Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
  • Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro if desired for an extra touch of freshness.

Notes

For a fun serving suggestion, top with additional cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices.
Keyword cheesy, one pot, pasta, taco