Name: Cheesy Taco Pasta: 30-Minute One-Pot Dinner the Whole Family Will Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15); 12 oz medium pasta shells; 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning; 2½ cups beef broth (low-sodium); 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed); Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
12 oz medium pasta shells
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
2½ cups beef broth (low-sodium)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown the beef: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5-7 minutes, breaking into crumbles until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté aromatics: Push beef to sides of pan. Add diced onion to center and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Season: Sprinkle taco seasoning over beef mixture and stir. Cook 30 seconds to toast spices.
Add liquids: Pour in beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan.
Cook pasta: Add uncooked pasta, pushing it down into liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Melt cheese: Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top, cover, and let sit 2-3 minutes. Stir until cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Let rest 2-3 minutes, then serve hot with desired toppings.

Notes

Any short pasta shape works well – rotini, penne, elbow macaroni
For milder flavor, use mild taco seasoning and regular diced tomatoes
Make your own taco seasoning to control sodium and spice level
Shred cheese from a block for best melting results
Add vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans for extra nutrition
Stir frequently during simmering to prevent sticking
Pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits; add more broth when reheating
Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
Leftovers keep refrigerated 3-4 days or frozen 2-3 months

Author: Emy Hayer
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Stovetop, One-Pot
Cuisine: Tex-Mex, American Fusion
Diet: Gluten Free