Description

This Instant Pot Taco Pasta is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal combining seasoned ground beef, pasta, and a zesty tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers classic taco flavors with the convenience of pressure cooking, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for a delicious finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup diced white or yellow onion
3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

1 tablespoon taco seasoning
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
8 ounce can tomato sauce
1 cup mild tomato salsa

Liquids and Pasta

4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
16 ounces dry medium shell pasta

Toppings

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

Start the Instant Pot: Press the sauté button on your Instant Pot to preheat the pot.
Cook the beef: When the pot is hot, add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking while stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Deglaze the pot: Pour in the beef broth and use a spoon to scrape up all browned bits from the bottom to prevent burning and add flavor.
Stop sauté mode: Press the cancel button to turn off the sauté function.
Add pasta: Add the dry pasta to the pot, spreading it evenly over the broth.
Add seasonings and sauce: Sprinkle the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper over the pasta, then pour the tomato sauce and salsa on top without stirring.
Seal the Instant Pot: Close and lock the lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to sealing.
Pressure cook pasta: Select manual high pressure cooking and set the time to 3 minutes.
Release pressure carefully: After cooking finishes, perform a controlled quick release to release the steam safely.
Mix the pasta: Open the lid and stir the pasta to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Add cheese and stir: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir it into the hot pasta until melted and creamy.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese on top of the pasta.
Garnish and serve: Serve the taco pasta topped with fresh chopped cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

Use reduced-sodium beef broth to control the salt level in the dish.
Do not stir after adding the pasta and seasonings before pressure cooking to avoid the burn notice on Instant Pot.
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or beans.
Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your preferred spice level.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Instant Pot
Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Keywords: Instant Pot, Taco Pasta, Ground Beef, Quick Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Weeknight Dinner