Description
A delicious and hearty one-pot cheesy taco pasta combining seasoned ground beef, tender pasta shells, and a creamy blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning, then add beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and the uncooked pasta shells. Mix everything well to combine.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in Cheese and Sour Cream: Turn off the heat. Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and creamy, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro or sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot immediately.
Notes
- You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- For a spicier version, use pepper jack cheese or add diced jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
