Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner combining ground beef, taco seasoning, salsa, and rotini pasta all cooked together in a single skillet. Rich with melted Mexican-style cheese and customizable with fresh toppings, it’s a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning (or 3 1/2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup jarred mild salsa
- 8 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese
Optional Toppings
- Chopped tomatoes
- Avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the ground beef.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the heated skillet. Season it with salt and black pepper. Cook the beef while stirring occasionally until it is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet to reduce fat.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir the taco seasoning into the cooked beef. Then add the water, jarred mild salsa, and the uncooked rotini pasta to the skillet, combining everything thoroughly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheese: Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded Mexican-style cheese until it melts smoothly and blends with the pasta and beef mixture.
- Serve: Immediately serve the cheesy taco pasta garnished with optional toppings such as chopped tomatoes, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, and chopped cilantro for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use homemade taco seasoning to control sodium and spice level.
- Adding a splash of cream or milk before adding cheese can make the dish creamier.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn during the simmering step for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat easily.
