If you’re looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that comes together in a flash, you have to try this Instant Pot Taco Pasta! This dish is a perfect blend of creamy pasta, savory taco seasoning, and tender beef, all cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot. Whether you’re short on time or just want a one-pot dinner that everyone will rave about, this recipe is a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Instant Pot Taco Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight meal: fast, easy, and incredibly delicious. It’s a great way to enjoy taco night with a twist, minus all the extra prep and dishes. Plus, the creamy cheese sauce makes every bite irresistible. It’s one of those recipes that will have your family asking for seconds – trust me on that!
Ingredients (You’ll find the full list below)
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Onion
- Garlic
- Pasta (I use elbow macaroni, but any small pasta works)
- Beef broth
- Salsa
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Once it’s hot, add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Add in the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for another couple of minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. It smells so good already!
Step 2: Add the Seasonings and Liquid
Once your beef is cooked and the onions are tender, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Stir to coat the beef and onions in all the flavorful spices. Now, pour in the beef broth and salsa, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (this is where the magic happens). Stir everything together, and you’re almost there.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Next, add the uncooked pasta into the Instant Pot. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid, but don’t stir it! Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream Cheese and Cheese
After the pressure has released, carefully open the lid. You’ll see the pasta perfectly cooked in all that flavorful liquid. Now, stir in the cream cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir again until everything is beautifully melted and mixed together. You should have a luscious, cheesy sauce surrounding your pasta.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of sour cream to the sauce once it’s done cooking. It’ll add a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the taco seasoning.
- If you want to make this a spicier dish, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the salsa.
- Don’t skip the step of scraping the bottom of the pot after adding the broth – that’s where a lot of delicious flavor gets trapped, and you don’t want to lose it!
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Ground Beef Alternative: Feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, use black beans or lentils in place of the ground meat. You can also add some sautéed bell peppers for extra texture.
- Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese, and the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Taco Pasta is a full meal on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, try serving it with a side of crispy tortilla chips or a fresh green salad. A dollop of sour cream or some guacamole would also be fantastic for dipping!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (which you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
4 FAQs
- Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is perfect, any small pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work just as well. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the beef and seasoning mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Then, just add the liquid and pasta when you’re ready to cook. - Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes! You can freeze the taco pasta before adding the cream cheese and shredded cheese. Once you’re ready to serve, thaw it out and finish it by stirring in the dairy ingredients. - How can I make this dish spicier?
To make the pasta spicier, you can add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning. You could also stir in some diced green chilies or jalapeños for an added kick!
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Taco Pasta is the kind of recipe that makes dinner stress-free, delicious, and something your whole family will love. It’s so easy to make, and with its cheesy, taco-inspired flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation. I hope you give this a try – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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Instant Pot Taco Pasta: A Quick & Flavorful Dinner Your Family Will Love
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot (Pressure Cooking)
- Cuisine: Mexican inspired
Description
A hearty, flavorful, and creamy pasta dish made with ground beef, taco seasoning, and cheese, all cooked in your Instant Pot for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 1 lb (450g)
- Taco seasoning – 1 packet (about 1 ounce, or 2 tablespoons)
- Onion – 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Pasta (elbow macaroni or small pasta) – 2 cups (about 8 oz)
- Beef broth – 2 cups (480ml)
- Salsa – 1 cup (240ml)
- Cream cheese – 4 oz (115g)
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 1/2 cups (about 6 oz, or 170g)
Instructions
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Brown the Ground Beef: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the Seasonings and Liquid: Sprinkle in taco seasoning, stirring to coat the beef. Pour in beef broth and salsa, scraping the pot to lift any browned bits.
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Add the Pasta: Add uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid (don’t stir). Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick-release the pressure once done.
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Stir in the Cream Cheese and Cheese: Open the lid, stir in cream cheese until smooth, then add shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until fully melted.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try stirring in a tablespoon of sour cream after cooking.
- To spice it up, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Don’t skip scraping the bottom of the pot after adding the broth for maximum flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg