Description

A quick and comforting one-pot taco pasta with a cheesy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe is kid-approved, flexible, and uses just one pot for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 150g)
3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup tomato sauce
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 200g)
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up, until mostly browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
Add diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in uncooked pasta, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and broth or water. Stir to combine.
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
Remove lid and lower heat to low. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk until cheese melts and sauce is creamy. Add more milk if sauce is too thick.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve topped with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

[‘Do not rush the simmer to allow pasta to absorb flavors and prevent sticking.’, ‘Add cheese off heat or on very low to avoid greasy sauce.’, ‘Use sharp cheddar for best melting and flavor.’, ‘Customize spice level by adjusting taco seasoning.’, ‘Add veggies like bell peppers or corn with onions for extra nutrients.’, ‘Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk; avoid freezing to prevent sauce separation.’]

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
Calories: 430
Sodium: 560
Fat: 19
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 42
Fiber: 4
Protein: 22

Keywords: one-pot, taco pasta, cheesy sauce, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, ground beef, taco seasoning, comfort food