Description
Savor Mexican-inspired comfort with this zesty Instant Pot Taco Pasta, blending spicy ground beef and creamy cheese in one irresistible dish. Hearty pasta shells swimming in bold flavors will make weeknight dinners deliciously easy for you.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground beef
- 16 ounces (454 grams) dry medium shell pasta
- 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (150 grams) diced white or yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Liquid and Garnish Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) mild tomato salsa
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) reduced-sodium beef broth
- 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the Instant Pot on sauté mode and cook ground beef until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to develop rich aromatic flavors.
- Pour beef broth into the pot, carefully scraping the bottom to release any caramelized meat particles and prevent potential burning.
- Deactivate sauté mode and layer dry pasta directly over the liquid, evenly distributing taco seasoning, salt, and pepper across the surface.
- Gently pour tomato sauce and salsa over the pasta without stirring to prevent sticking, ensuring even ingredient distribution.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 3 minutes to rapidly cook the pasta.
- Execute a quick pressure release, carefully managing steam during the process.
- Stir the pasta thoroughly and blend in one cup of shredded cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Top with remaining cheese and freshly chopped cilantro, serving immediately while hot and appetizing.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by choosing mild, medium, or spicy taco seasoning to match your family’s spice tolerance.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
- Prevent pasta sticking by gently layering ingredients without stirring before pressure cooking, ensuring even cooking and avoiding potential burn warnings.
- Enhance meal prep by making this dish ahead and reheating with a splash of broth to restore moisture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 6 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg