If you’re craving a dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting heartiness of pasta, then you absolutely need to try this Instant Pot Taco Pasta Recipe. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, combining the ease of one-pot cooking with the zesty, cheesy goodness of a taco dinner reinvented in pasta form. This dish is loaded with seasoned ground beef, juicy tomatoes with green chilies, and a luscious cheese sauce, all melding together in perfect harmony. From the moment you start sautéing the beef to that final gooey cheese topping, you’ll be hooked on this effortless, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in this taco pasta. Each component plays a vital role, from the bold spices to the creamy cheese dip that brings everything together effortlessly.
- Lean ground beef (1 lb): Provides a hearty and protein-packed base with just the right amount of richness.
- Taco seasoning (1-oz packet): Gives that unmistakable bold, savory, and slightly spicy taco flavor that’s essential to this dish.
- Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (10 oz can): Adds a juicy, tangy kick with just enough heat to keep things exciting.
- All-purpose flour (2 Tbsp): Acts as a thickening agent to help create that creamy, luxurious sauce.
- Beef broth (4 cups): A rich liquid base that infuses the pasta with depth and flavor while cooking.
- Penne pasta (16 oz box): The perfect pasta shape to soak up all the delicious sauce and tender beef.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings that enhance every flavor and balance the spices.
- Salsa con queso (15 oz jar): Provides the creamy, cheesy element that makes this dish utterly irresistible.
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend (1 cup): Adds a melty, gooey topping that crowns the pasta with extra indulgence.
How to Make Instant Pot Taco Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor
Start by using your Instant Pot’s sauté mode to brown the lean ground beef. This step is crucial for locking in flavor and ensuring your beef has that perfect texture. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep the dish light. Then, stir in the taco seasoning and the can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let this mixture cook together for about 5 minutes to develop those rich, vibrant flavors that form the foundation of your taco pasta.
Step 2: Add Liquid and Scrap the Pot
Turn off the Instant Pot and pour in a little bit of beef broth, just enough to deglaze the bottom of the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrap up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits pack serious flavor and will help create a richer sauce for the pasta, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Combine Flour, Broth, and Pasta
Next, mix in the flour to begin thickening the sauce. Pour in the remaining beef broth followed by the penne pasta. Make sure to press the pasta down gently into the liquid so it’s submerged. This ensures even cooking and prevents any dry, uncooked spots.
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Lock the Instant Pot lid securely and set the pressure cooker to HIGH or manual mode, cooking for only 5 minutes. This short cooking time means the pasta will be perfectly al dente and infused with all the smoky, spicy flavors from the beef and seasoning.
Step 5: Pressure Release and Cheese Finish
Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 15 minutes, then quickly release any leftover pressure. Finally, stir in the salsa con queso to make the sauce creamy and irresistible. Top off your pasta with a generous sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese blend while it’s still hot, so it melts beautifully over the top. Your Instant Pot Taco Pasta Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Instant Pot Taco Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your taco pasta by adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. For an extra burst of color and flavor, sprinkle some diced avocado or chopped jalapeños on top. These simple additions add freshness and a playful texture contrast that elevates the dish even further.
Side Dishes
Pairing this main dish with classic Mexican sides like a crisp garden salad, tortilla chips with guacamole, or black bean salad will round out your meal perfectly. You can also serve with a side of Mexican rice or warm corn tortillas to soak up any extra cheesy sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Instant Pot Taco Pasta Recipe in colorful small bowls or even crispy tortilla bowls for added crunch. You can also layer it in a casserole dish, topping with extra cheese and broiling briefly for a bubbly, golden crust. Whether simple or fancy, the presentation can be adapted to suit any occasion or mood.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover taco pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but be sure to cool it before sealing to keep the cheese from becoming gritty.
Freezing
If you want to save Instant Pot Taco Pasta Recipe for later, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note that the texture might change slightly upon thawing due to the pasta, but reheating with a splash of broth can restore its creamy goodness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a small amount of broth or water to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir frequently for even warming and enjoy as if freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. Just brown it thoroughly and follow the rest of the steps as is for a lighter yet still flavorful taco pasta.
What if I don’t have salsa con queso?
You can substitute with any creamy cheese dip or even a mix of cream cheese and shredded cheese melted together. The key is to maintain that rich, cheesy sauce that ties the dish together.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Is it possible to use a different pasta shape?
Definitely! While penne works wonderfully, other sturdy shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or shells will also hold up nicely and capture the sauce well.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust it?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the taco seasoning and green chilies in the Rotel. If you want it milder, reduce the taco seasoning or use mild Rotel; to crank up the heat, add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce when serving.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Taco Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a busy day. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to please the whole family. Whether you’re a taco lover or a pasta enthusiast, this recipe is a delicious way to mix things up without any fuss. Give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight go-to meal!
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Instant Pot Taco Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Instant Pot Taco Pasta is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, and tender penne pasta in a creamy salsa con queso sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish blends Mexican-inspired spices and cheesy goodness for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 (1-oz) package taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (10-oz) can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 (15-oz) jar salsa con queso
Other Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 (16-oz) box penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the lean ground beef. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and the can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let this mixture cook together for about 5 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Deglaze the Pot: Turn off the Instant Pot. Pour in a small amount of beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits, preventing a burn notice during pressure cooking.
- Add Flour, Broth, and Pasta: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, then add the remaining beef broth and penne pasta. Make sure to press the pasta down so it is submerged in the liquid to cook evenly.
- Pressure Cook: Lock the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high/manual mode for 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Allow a natural pressure release for 15 minutes to let the pasta finish cooking gently. After that, perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the salsa con queso cheese dip until smooth and creamy. Top the pasta with shredded Mexican cheese blend before serving for extra cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot after sautéing to avoid the burn alert during pressure cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for lean ground beef for a lighter option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra diced jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
