Description
A quick and comforting blend of taco flavors and pasta made in the Instant Pot.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, or plant-based crumble)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 packet (or 2 tbsp) taco seasoning (or homemade)
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes (with juices) or 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth (or water)
- 8–12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1–1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté (medium-high). Add a splash of oil.
- Add chopped onion; cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef. Break it up and brown until no pink remains, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and stir to coat. Toast for 30 seconds.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.
- Add dry pasta and press it down so most pieces are submerged but don’t stir vigorously. Scatter frozen corn and beans on top if using.
- Secure the lid and set valve to Sealing. Pressure cook on High for 4 minutes.
- Quick release the pressure carefully once time is up. Remove lid.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and silky. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Squeeze lime and garnish with cilantro.
Notes
For very soft pasta, reduce cook time by 30–60 seconds on your next run. Best served with toppings like avocado and tortilla chips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Instant Pot, taco, pasta, weeknight dinner, one-pot meal