Description

A quick and easy one-pot taco pasta bake combining ground beef, pasta, taco seasoning, and melty cheeses for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (lean 90%)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
2 cups beef broth or water
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
Optional: sliced black olives or chopped green onions for garnish
Optional: corn kernels or diced bell peppers for added veggies

Instructions

Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Brown for 5-7 minutes.
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until onion softens and beef is fully browned, about 3-4 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
Add uncooked pasta, beef broth, and salsa to the skillet. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is submerged.
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add more broth if needed.
Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts.
Optional: Transfer skillet to a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes to brown cheese, watching carefully.
Let the bake rest off heat for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Brown beef properly for best flavor. Use broth instead of water for richer taste. Stir occasionally but gently to avoid breaking pasta. Add cheese at the end to prevent rubbery texture. Broil briefly for a golden crust if desired. Adjust seasoning after simmering before adding cheese. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 450
Fat: 15
Carbohydrates: 45
Protein: 25

Keywords: taco pasta bake, one-pot meal, ground beef recipe, easy family dinner, cheesy pasta bake, taco seasoning, quick dinner