Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner combining seasoned ground beef, taco spices, rotini pasta, salsa, and melted Mexican-style cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a comforting, fuss-free meal perfect for taco lovers looking for a simple pasta twist.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning (or about 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: Preheat a large deep skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the beef.
- Cook beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, season it with salt and a pinch of black pepper, and cook it thoroughly, stirring occasionally to crumble and brown evenly.
- Drain grease: Once cooked, carefully drain off the excess grease from the beef to prevent a greasy dish.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir the taco seasoning into the cooked beef, then add the water, salsa, and uncooked rotini pasta, mixing everything together.
- Simmer pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded Mexican-style cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the dish.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot topped with your choice of optional toppings like chopped tomatoes, avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or chopped cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a good quality jarred salsa like Pace or Ortega for the best flavor; generic brands also work well.
- For a spicier kick, opt for a medium or hot salsa instead of mild.
- Drain excess grease thoroughly for a less oily dish.
- Feel free to substitute rotini with other pasta shapes like penne or elbow macaroni.
- This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights due to its one-pot convenience.
