Print

Creamy One Pot Taco Pasta

creamy one pot taco pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one pot meal combining taco seasoning, pasta, cheese, and ground beef for a creamy, comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 8 oz medium pasta (rotini or penne recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Jalapeño slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the meat mixture and stir to coat.
  4. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir well to combine.
  5. Add dry pasta to the skillet, spreading it out so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover with lid and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Remove lid and add softened cream cheese. Stir until melted and fully incorporated.
  7. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until sauce is smooth, creamy, and cheesy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and jalapeño slices if desired.

Notes

If sauce is too thick after adding cheese, stir in a splash more broth or water to loosen. Avoid overcooking pasta to prevent mushiness. Use softened cream cheese for smooth sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste. Leftovers reheat well with added broth or water to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, taco pasta, creamy pasta, family dinner, quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef, comfort food

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/creamy-one-pot-taco-pasta-recipe-easy-family-dinner-idea/