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Homemade Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta photo

Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

This Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is a quick and creamy Tex-Mex delight!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup diced onion
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 can (4-ounce) diced green chiles
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta shells
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
  • 2 ounces cream cheese cut into pieces
For Serving:
  • sour cream for serving
  • olives for serving
  • red onion for serving
  • cilantro for serving

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Begin by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the 1 pound of lean ground beef and 1/2 cup of diced onion. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break the beef apart as it cooks.
  2. Once the beef is browned, sprinkle in the packet of taco seasoning. Stir well to coat the meat and onions evenly with the seasoning.
  3. Next, add 2 cups of low sodium beef broth and 1 cup of salsa to the pot. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
  4. Add the can of diced green chiles and the 8 ounces of uncooked pasta shells to the mixture. Gently press the pasta down into the liquid, ensuring it is submerged.
  5. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Make sure the valve is set to sealing. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
  6. Once the pressure has released, carefully open the lid. Add the 2 ounces of cream cheese and 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is creamy.
  7. Spoon the cheesy taco pasta into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, olives, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • For added nutrition, consider mixing in black beans or corn.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish.
  • Experiment with different types of salsa to customize the flavor.