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One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta (Crowd Favorite) - Fast, Comforting, and Packed With Flavor

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey or plant-based crumbles)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional for extra warmth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for depth)
  • 1 (10-ounce/284 g) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth (or water with bouillon)
  • 12 ounces (340 g) short pasta (elbow, shells, rotini, or penne)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped, for garnish
  • Sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, and lime wedges for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Bloom the spices: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir for 30–60 seconds so the spices toast and release flavor.
  4. Build the base: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add the pasta: Stir in the dry pasta and corn. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks. Cook until the pasta is just al dente.
  6. Adjust consistency: If the mixture looks too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash of broth or water. If it’s too soupy after the pasta cooks, simmer uncovered for a couple of minutes to reduce.
  7. Make it cheesy: Lower the heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and silky. Add the cream cheese if using and stir until smooth.
  8. Taste and finish: Adjust salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and let it sit 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Top with chopped cilantro or green onions.
  9. Serve: Spoon into bowls and add optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime.