Description
One Pot Cheesy Taco Noodles is a quick, creamy, and comforting fusion of tacos and pasta, made in just one pot. Loaded with ground beef, taco seasoning, tender noodles, and melty cheese, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/2 cup salsa
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbows, rotini, or shells)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, green onions, crushed tortilla chips, avocado, jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and tomato paste or salsa. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and stir to combine. Add uncooked pasta and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes, green onions, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Short pasta like elbows, shells, or rotini work best for even cooking and sauce absorption.
- To make it spicier, use hot taco seasoning or spicy salsa.
- Add extra veggies like corn, black beans, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Not ideal for freezing, as pasta may become mushy upon reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
