Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most mouthwatering, quick, and irresistible meal that combines the zesty flavors of tacos with the comforting goodness of cheesy pasta! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a crowd-pleasing dish that will have your family fighting for seconds and begging you to make it again. This Instant Pot Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta is about to become your ultimate go-to recipe for those nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by measuring them out and having them ready near your Instant Pot.
- Select the Sauté function on your Instant Pot and add the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula, cooking until it's fully browned and no pink remains.
- Drain any excess fat from the ground beef, if necessary.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the browned beef and stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly.
- Pour in the beef broth and stir, ensuring the seasoned beef is well mixed with the liquid.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the Instant Pot, gently pressing the pasta into the liquid to ensure it's mostly submerged.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking completes, perform a quick release of the pressure to prevent pasta from overcooking.
- Open the lid and stir the pasta, checking that the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it's completely melted and well incorporated.
- Mix in the salsa, stirring gently to distribute throughout the pasta.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional cheese, chopped cilantro, or sour cream if desired.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade taco seasoning instead of a packet for a more personalized taste.
- Make sure to break the ground beef into small, even crumbles to ensure uniform cooking and better seasoning distribution.
- Don't skip the quick release method after cooking - this prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
- If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, let it sit for an extra 2-3 minutes to thicken naturally.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for varied flavor profiles.
- For a healthier version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
- Fresh salsa will give a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to jarred salsa.
- Always have your ingredients measured and ready before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
